psyc&e Bceepe 
fmo oriD€R poecTDs 

ACIDA 




Class _(ES.^^ 
Book 'HS(Pr 



GopightN"_ 



mo 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



PSYCHE SLEEPS 
AND OTHER POEMS 



PSYCHE SLEEPS 
AND OTHER POEMS 



BY 

ALIDA 
CHANLER 
EMMET 



MOFFAT, YARD AND 
COMPANY, MCMX 



I I/O 



Copyright, 1907, by 
Robert Grier Cooke 

Copyright, 1910, by 
Alida Chanler Emmet 



All Rights Reserved 



C;.A2B8979 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Hidden Places ........ i 

Welcome the Years 3 

The Message 4 

Let Fall 5 

Night 6 

Simple Manhood 7 

Peace to the Troubled Heart 8 

Spring from Thy Fears, My Soul .... 9 

The Angelus 10 

I Wandered Happy 11 

The Voices 12 

Head Home 13 

The Antiphonies 14 

To the Hudson 15 

On Japan's Treaty of Peace with Russia, 1905 . 16 

To THE United States 17 

Grief 18 

Birth 19 

Repent 20 

Spirit of Meekness 21 

With Eyes Uplifted 22 

Action 23 

To Humanity 24 

Progress 25 

Nature Art Thou Not Aweary.^ 26 

England ^ ... 28 

Love 29 

vii 



PACE 

Un Coup de Cceur . . • i i ^ • . 30 

"Ma Petite Rose" 32 

A Song 33 

Ode to the Forest Fairies 34 

To A Snowstorm 36 

The Hill Gods . . 37 

Arethusa 39 

May 41 

Summer 42 

A Lullaby 43 

The Hermit Maid . .44 

Death 46 

The Song of a Dead Leaf 47 

A Love Lament 48 

The Sail 49 

A Vision 50 

The Goblins 53 

The Hidden Light 57 

Death of the Goddess of Peace 59 

An Allegory 61 

To the Old Year 67 

Another Day 68 

On Eleanor's Wedding-day 69 

Faith 70 

Ode to a Song Bird 71 

As Heaven's Love 72 

We Move in Danger 73 

Intuition 74 

Fair Church of Christ 75 

The Parents 76 

Waste 77 

To the Maine Coast 78 

Men and Their Shadows 79 

To the Firemen 80 

To the Tiger 81 

Winter 82 

viii 



PAGE 

The Reflection 83 

Live and Make No Complaint 84 

A Love Sonnet 85 

To the Matrix Opal 86 

Dawn 87 

Night and Day 88 

April 89 

August 90 

September 91 

October , . . .92 

Hail Soul of Earth 93 

Sonnet to Faith 94 

Ode to Elizabeth 95 

Ode to Margaret 96 

Christopher . .97 

Hester 98 

Conrad 99 

E. W. C 100 

]. J. C loi 

To M. L. C. . . . 102 

To S. W 103 

W. J. E 104 

J. C E 105 

Rosalind 106 

L. C 107 

Laura 108 

PART TWO 

Psyche Sleeps iii 

Ode to Beauty 114 

Mid Halls of Fancy 115 

Luna .117 

The Wood Cali 118 

A Portrait 120 

The Queen 121 

ix 
Psyche ed 



PAGE 

An Enchantment 123 

A Love Song 124 

To A Thunderstorm 1^5 

Ode to the Sun 126 

To THE Sea 127 

To THE Mountains 128 

To THE Plains 129 

Ode to the Wind 130 

To THE Rain . . .131 

The Pine . . 132 

To THE Human Hands . . . . . . .133 

Impressions 134 

To THE Foreigner's Italy 135 

LuisENHOHE 136 

To THE Last of Magellan's Fleet .... 137 

To Abraham and to Lincoln 138 

Late March 139 

The Smile 140 

Ode to the Hypatica 141 

Follow 142 

Ode to the Cuckoo 143 

The Whisper 144 

To the Apple Blossom 145 

To the Buttercup and Dandelion . . . .146 

To Some Wild Flowers 147 

Ode to the Woods in Spring 148 

Ode to the Dogwood 149 

Here is the Spring . 150 

A May Dawn 151 

Miranda 152 

I Walked at Dusk 154 

Thy Face 155 

The Voice of Her 156 

A Thought 157 

Sweet Love 158 



PAGE 

The Maid of the Snows 159 

The River of Youth 161 

The Angels, Death and Sleep 162 

The Soul of the Winged Victory .... 163 

Ode to Old Age 164 

Oh, the Sweet Caressing 165 

The Call 166 

Loneliness 167 

" He Shall Cause Them to Lie Down " , . ,168 

They March 169 

Potentia . 170 

To New York 171 

To Human Love 172 

The Word 173 

Manna 174 



A SEQUENCE 

Introductory Poem 176 

The Jasper 177 

The Sapphire 178 

The Chalcedony 179 

The Emerald 180 

The Sardonyx 181 

The Sardius 182 

The Chrysolite 183 

The Berly 184 

The Topaz 185 

The Chrysoprasus 186 

The Jacinth 187 

The Amethyst 188 

The Pearl 189 

Marguerite 190 

The Little Maid 191 

E. P. E 192 

Jane 193 

xi 



THE HIDDEN PLACES 



THE HIDDEN PLACES 



IN the hollows of the marches, 
Where the water lilies grow, 
Where the mocking loons are laughing, 
Swimming idly to and fro, — 
What swift message is there stirring 

'Mid the grass and in the air? 
*Tis the smile of unseen places, 
For the Lord of Hosts is there. 



In the green cool of the forest. 

Where the thickest shadows fall, — 
Where the beetles build their houses, 

And the mating birds give call, — 
What can mean that leafy whisper 

That is spreading everyw^here? 
'Tis the speech of unseen places, 

For the Lord of Hosts is there. 



Where the tall green grasses cover 
Nesting quail from sight of men, 

Greeting lightest breeze with quiver, 
Catching shade from cloud, 'tis then 



That the breath as of an infant 
Trembles faintly on the air, 

'Tis the sigh of unseen places, 
For the Lord of Hosts is there. 



On the free breast of the waters, 

Where the seagull's scream is heard,- 
Where the deep sapphire heaven 

Hovers like a brooding bird, — 
Comes majestic rhythm lifting 

Joyous anthem far and near, 
'Tis the song of unseen places, 

For the Lord of Hosts is there. 

5 

In the cavern 'neath the ocean 

In the rnine beneath the hill, 
Where are heard no human voices, 

Where the mighty rocks lie still, — 
What slow throb is that vibrating 

In the dank, black darkness there? 
'Tis the pulse of hidden places, 

For the Lord of Hosts is there. 



w 



WELCOME THE YEARS 

ELCOME the years that link us to the skies, 
Plucking their fruit, and eating as we go; 

Wholesome there are, offending taste and eyes. 
And luscious some, checking the blood's free 
flow. 



Anon, our paths uniting for a space — 

A friend approaching joins his course to ours, 

Communing gladly as we walk apace — 
We dimly heed the knell of passing hours. 

Each soul the other wafts t'ward that great goal 
Which, as a magnet, draws them to one end; 

Where path unites with path, and soul with soul, 
And streams no longer wayward courses wend. 

Such meetings over, some their strength renew — 
With head erect, they look beyond the years; 

While others, mourning those whose steps withdrew, 
With slackened pace their comfort seek in tears. 

Con we one lesson ere we journey long — 
With life to be content, so we can learn, 

Though bitter one day's fruit, its meat makes strong, 
We from another's sting may wisdom earn. 



THE MESSAGE 

HAVE ye seen the lion tamed in his lair, 
When the stroke of weakness falls upon his 
head? 
Have ye known the heart of man grow weak 
and sear, 
When the idol of his mind is lying dead? 

Have ye seen an August flower wilt and fade 
Under Heavens that are merciless and dry? 

Have ye watched a woman's bloom as it decayed, 
While her mellow voice has withered to a sigh? 

Then come seek the hidden region of the soul, 
Where the angels weave the virtues of the heart, 

Where high heaven's tearless rivers ever roll, 
Dear drink of living waters to impart. 

Where all beasts of prey or burden may take rest, 
Where all flowers gather bloom along its shores, 

Nor suffer from the seasons more arrest; 

Where his keeper each unswervingly adores. 

And return ye to the wanderers of earth, 
Bearing hope to heart of woman that is sad; 

Sing to ear of humbled hero of his worth, 
Tell the lion in his desert to be glad. 



L 



LET FALL 

ET fall, seek not to save thyself, but lose — 
Pain deeper lies in fear than in a bruise," — 
So wisdom speaks with kindly voice and grave. 
As woman strives a straying child to save. 



And what the clear response that comes at length? 
The fearless smile, while turning in their strength, 
They strike, as bidden, freely into space. 
Nor care they longer cautious paths to trace. 

Unconscious now of laws that guide or fell, 
To one melodious chord their senses swell, 
While to their ear comes ever distant call; 
Until, at last, like drops with sudden fall 

In ocean, they with joy regain their source, 
And leave behind the child of slower course. 
Who foothold seeking, to their safety cling, 
Are checked in flight as bird of clipped wing. 



NIGHT 

UPON the earth night's beauteous garment falls, 
With gentle motion steadily descends; 
Holding each crevice in embrace that calls 
An incense sweet which, from the earth, ascends 
In fairy forms, and with the verdure blends. 

That purple web of star-rent texture rare 
Now fallen low, there drops a mystic balm; 

Alluring message quivers on the air. 

Which offers careworn man a respite calm, 
And draws from throat of nesting bird a Psalm. 

To this sweet message some their senses bow, 
And join with simple heart that harmony; 

They gladly smooth from care a tired brow. 
And sleep as infants, free from calumny, 
Whose heart and conscience know no tyranny. 

Not thus do pleasure-lovers greet the night. 
With heart aflame defy they nature's powers. 

Until the minutes, taking rapid flight. 

Linking together, change themselves to hours; 
And lo ! above them keen-eyed morning towers. 

How varies heart of sage and waster here? 
Their motives for rebellion differing, 

With eye upon the night, the sage austere 

Those charms would prove that earth are covering. 
And while he gazes sees dawn quivering. 

Who then wins night's deep secret, keenly sought? 
The wakeful searchers, or the unbeguiled? 

Stern knowledge can be found and dearly bought. 
But wisdom holds her sanctuary mild 
Within the simple heartbeat of a child. 

6 



SIMPLE MANHOOD 

SIMPLE manhood nobly wrought, 
Slow of speech, by justice taught, 
In whose mind no fear is known, 
Competent to stand alone. 

Many secrets women teach. 
Often heaven do they reach ; 
But their heartstrings weaker be, 
Let them courage learn from thee. 

Teach them justice to attain. 
Though against their hearts it reign; 
How to place their love apart 
When they'd treasure earn of art. 
Then on earth their souls shall seem 
Love to blend with law supreme. 



PEACE TO THE TROUBLED HEART 

PEACE to the troubled heart and brain, 
Rest to the ever-questioning mind; 
Hope to the slackened blood, as rain 
To sluggish streams, and may the wind 
Of soul renew its stagnant force, 
Lending fresh freedom to its course. 

Wherefore this aching weariness? 

Surely some glory is its aim ! 
Turn then thy thought from dreariness, 

Erectly hold that trembling frame, 
And know that, as a brooding dove. 
Behind the darkness hovers love. 



SPRING FROM THY FEARS MY SOUL 

SPRING from thy fears my soul and wing abroad. 
Leaving all thought of dole, join festive board. 
The Angels wait thy freedom to descry; 
Though thou art late, thy wings may speed apply. 

Firm standeth Heaven, nor do sin and pain 
E'er strand a soul that sails Life's turbid main. 
Though oft through paths unbidden we have trod 
The winds of Heaven blow us home to God. 



THE ANGELUS 

THE reapers through the meadows wend their way, 
Behind the hills serenely falls the day. 
The harvest moon mounts slowly in the sky, 
And smiles benignly on the passers by. 
The happy lovers lightly tread the grass, 
Exchanging friendly greeting as they pass; 
They move like shadows in the dusky light, 
Along the open field, or in the sight 
Of cheerful window framing comely face 
Of mother, sitting in accustomed place. 
The distant tower tolls a solemn bell, 
And to the simple reapers hear it tell 
How as the scythe swings, falls the mellow sheaf, 
Like the young hours of life whose bloom is brief; 
But over all earth's harvest far and wide. 
Peace, and the Hght of starlit skies abide. 
Each lad and lass inclines his youthful brow, 
And sinks within the soul a solemn vow 
To cherish from time's taint and sin's alloy, 
The fair remembrance of his sacred joy. 
Then list, ye mystic reapers ! Lend your ears ; 
Sound on this curfew through approaching years. 



10 



I WANDERED HAPPY 

1 WANDERED happy in a spicy grove 
That stood erect upon a rocky shore, 
Where smiHng waves their snowy cobwebs wove, 
And far above would white-winged sea gulls soar. 
Then rose blue mountains o'er the silver mist 
That hovered close upon the water's breast, 
Which to the waves serenely seemed to list, 

Then t'ward my mind swift message they addressed. 
" Let thy soul freely rise with this new wind 

That toucheth now this joyous, verdant isle. 
Let all thy doubts and fears fall far behind 

Thy skyward trail that angels should beguile. 
Man was not meant a prisoner to dwell 

Upon the earth with leaden care held down, 
But freely should he rise, his love to tell. 
In regions which the starry heavens crown, 
And with the planets gain a glad renown." 



II 



THE VOICES 

VOICES whisper o'er the spreading years: 
Their dear familiar accents blend with tears 
That rise in sacred grief and fall in joy 
For knowledge that ye dwell where none destroy 
Your love for those on earth. In God's employ, 
Ye bear your missals of angelic peace 
To us who taste not yet your sweet release. 
Where hides the secret of your gentle cries? 
We neither hear nor see in common wise 
Your mystic forms; but in the throat of bird 
There throbs the power of the hidden word; 
Or quivers in the leaf of yonder tree 
That moves in gentle, rhythm with the sea. 
Yea, 'neath the language of our human writ 
There lies a tongue of purer, keener wit, 
That doth with bands of love the planets knit 
In one fair maze; and to our human dowers 
Unites the wisdom of the joyous flowers. 



HEAD HOME 

RETURN, thon sorry wanderer, 
Still burns thy limpid star, 
Unfurl thy sail unto the night, 
Though rent with many a scar, 
'Twill catch the winds of Heaven still, 
H thou but lend it to their will. 
Head home ! 

Return, thou foolish squanderer, 
That casts thy bread afar. 
God's garners still with love are bright, 
Nor can the sinner mar 
The light of Heaven's purity. 
Or shake the soul's security. 
Head home ! 



13 



THE ANTIPHONIES 

kROM the heart of blackest darkness 
Creeps a summons to the Light, 

From the torrid glare of mid-day sinks 
A call unto the night. 

From the barren wintry forests 
Spreads a yearning for the green, 

Of fair June's resplendent verdure, 
Or young April's tender sheen. 

From the core of summer stillness 
Comes demand for thunder peal; 

While the roar of heavy waters. 
Unto silence makes appeal. 

From the heart of them in sorrow, 
From the mind of them in pain, 

Breaks a groan unto the Heavens 
That would calm of Death attain. 

And the answers, yea, the answers ! 

Rise they slowly, fall they long! 
But they come, yea, they are nearing, 

And the love they bear is strong. 

Light to Darkness, Sound to Silence, 
Cool to Heat, for Sun the Moon, 

While to call of joy or sorrow 
Comes an answer late or soon. 

Thou for whom man's voice is singing, 
Swift t'ward whom his cries ascend, 

We must seek thee, we must greet thee, 
O our Answer, to the end. 
14 



TO THE HUDSON 

NOBLE River ! 
That lav'st the outskirts of our fevered town 
Bearing ever, 

With grave leisure, welcome message down 
The valleys from wide country fields and sky; 
Ceasing never 

Thy swift travel to the ocean, as fly 
T'ward their covert, 

The unerring birds. From their high thrones 
Upon whose leaden breast mountains decree 
Royal favor, 

And bid thee bear their greeting to the sea — 
Wilt thou sever 

From out our midst all doubtful act that owns 
Not guiding breath of Heaven, 
And endeavor 
The stagnant vapors of our lives to leaven? 



IS 



ON JAPAN'S TREATY OF PEACE WITH 
RUSSIA, 1905 



W 



ELL done, Japan ! We sing thy praise to-day ; 
For thou hast shown us how the mighty may 
Yield to the vanquished generous return 
For hostile act, and nations' homage earn. 



Thou hast expressed a noble disregard 
For worldly commendation or reward; 
Nor hast thou trembled for thy future peace. 
But in strong confidence thou dost release 

Thy vanquished foe, relying on the aid 
Of common right to which thy debt is paid. 
Now stands thy debtor the eternal law, 
To him that giveth shall be given more. 



16 



TO THE UNITED STATES 

LIKE some vast furnace filled with fuel varied 
Is our land. 
Like heated runner that has seldom tarried 
See her stand ! 
With heaving breast, inflated nostril panting, 

As midrace 
A steed will pause and look ahead from slanting 

Bank, with pace 
Redoubled onward then he bounds with lightened tread. 
Oh, may thy course grow straight as now 'tis swift ! 
So shall the ages know thee for God's gift. 



17 



I 



GRIEF 

N the lonely sombre watches of the heart, 

When the very earth beneath us groweth sad; 
When the sorrow laden airs their grief impart, 
When the sun above us ceaseth to be glad — 



When the stately trees their mourning branches wave, 
As they quiver 'neath the touch of moaning breeze; 

While the restless birds a haven seem to crave, 
And the sluggish river windeth ill at ease, — 

Then we drag our tired feet beneath the stars, 
Where the pallid moon full tenderly looks down; 

While the gleaming planets smiling through their tears, 
With dim light press the brow as with a crown. 

Now there comes to aching heart a touch of peace, 
'Neath that weight of breathless sorrow life has 
stirred. 
Rise Angelic voices promising release. 

While through shadows breaks the song of mating 
bird. 



i8 



BIRTH 

WHAT joyful cry resounds among the stars, 
And stops the tumult of our foolish wars? 
What gleam of light from Heaven's purest 
ray, 
Floats down upon our darkened, hidden way? 
What breath of vital air now stirs our blood 
And fills our sordid minds with hope of good, 
Thrilling our very fibres with sweet mirth? 
The cry, the gleam, the breath of human birth. 



19 



REPENT 



TURN thee and see ! 
Thus speaks the word " Repent." 
Return, behold ! 
And t'ward thy soul relent. 

The day grows clear 

Unto thy searching eye, 
When mists of sloth 

And doubt, thou brushest by. 

Yea, reason on, 

Ye servants of the mind; 
But when ye turn 

Your words shall fall behind — 

Shall fall as dust 

From off your winged feet, 
And ye shall rise 

The simple Truth to meet. 



20 



SPIRIT OF MEEKNESS 

SPIRIT of meekness whose ethereal beauty- 
Lends to its abode a sweetness rare, 
And as with fairy wand gives charm to duty; 
That mak'st all burdens easier to bear, — 

Teach our proud hearts the value of thy graces, 
On thy sweet strength to lean when most we'd gain 

Thy mien to watch as babes with upturned faces, 
Till somewhat of thy virtue we attain. 



21 



WITH EYES UPLIFTED 

WITH eyes uplifed t'ward eternal spring, 
What matter that the seasons mar our race, 
Till like the gnarled oak with aspect grim, 
'Mid children, seems to us an aged face? 
Beneath the shade the tender saplings bud, 

Their branches deck in fairest coloring, 
While thus the children burst from babyhood. 

And laughing chase the years as bird on wing. 
And chasing find and gather, letting fall 

What eagerly they grasp but cannot hold; 

Until, at length, there comes to each the call, 

" Return, the course is run, the day is old." 

From out the face of beauty smiles the Soul, 

The source of life which also is the end: 
Whose energy projects us from the whole. 
But to regain despite our erring trend. ' 



22 



ACTION 

THE heated vortex of the life of deed 
Enfolds within its depth God's energy. 
Why then decry the runners or their speed? 
We neither run nor fight for effigy, 
But blindly do outpour the ruddy wine 

That gushes from our souls 'neath Heaven's mill, 
Which grinds, we heard of old, exceeding fine. 
Complain not then because the world's athrill 
With restless life that hurries us afar. 

But set thy sails and drift at Heaven's will, 
Holding thy compass to the northern star. 
Which points to final peace beyond Earth's war. 



23 



TO HUMANITY 

PAUSE in thy race, Humanity, 
Look o'er the road thou travellest, 
To that fair land from whence thou first stepped 
forth. 
Then onward gaze to distant misty shores. 
Art moving quickly, are thy footsteps sure? 
Breathe deep of that first purity 
Thou knowest well, yet scatterest; 
So careless art thou of thy maker's wrath. 
Dost test His patience or His love, thou v/anton? 
Both are invulnerable as are His laws. 
He is thy pattern and He holds thy cure. 



24 



PROGRESS 

THOU, all that's bright and fresh throughout 
mankind ! 
Thou blast of sea and mountain winds com- 
bined ! 
Thou hurricane, tempestuous and vast, 
That leaves behind its trail the touch of past 
And future benefit and force, 
Yet drags each new born treasure on its course. 
Of worlds beyond and ages still unknown thou art 

the breath. 
And singest of the life that conquers death. 



25 



NATURE ART THOU NOT AWEARY? 

NATURE art thou not aweary 
Of charming us at every turn? 
The open field in frank display 
Of tender green and grazing sheep, 
Long hold the eye, until we yearn 
For contrast. Woods, unobtrusive, 
Stand the while awaiting our desire; 
Wherein there flickers light and shade, 
And in the grass darts some wild hare 
A chase for cover, with his heart on fire. 
While rustling leaves and song of bird 
Hold us entranced, with sweet entanglement. 
Still greet we further hint of charm. 
New sound, now blends with breeze on tree, 
Now leads away to fresh environment. 
Seeming to the ear to whisper 
" Here am I, not there." Thus on we follow. 
Over bending twig and fern, through 
The tangle of the bushes, till, 
Alert with joy, from out some gloomy hollow 
A brook breaks forth, with sheen transparent 
And gay murmur, swiftly on its way. 
Like silken thread, it weaves illusive 
Course among the drinking fern 
And bears anon a blossom blown astray. 
Checkered with some bright sunbeam, now 
The sight it dazzles, and again, between 
High rocks it swells its silver tones 
And still allures us on. At length, 

26 



Full gladly 'gainst some grassy bank we lean 

In sweet exhaustion. Where, with sounds 

Of wind and water, feel of tender moss. 

The smell of flowers, songs of bird. 

The senses blend, and — Nature speaks; 

" I am as when Fair Eden knew me ; Loss 

Approaches never to my form. 

Bring me fresh hearts, and gladly will I show 

My mysteries. Follow lightly 

Where I beckon, so shall ye wisdom know, 

And thus glean Love." 



27 



ENGLAND 

WITH gentle marvel thou dost woo me, England, 
From noble cliff-bound coast to verdant 

inland. 
With incense exquisite and pure praising thy 
maker, 
Thou, of his faithfulness most sure, art glad partaker. 



LOVE 

WHAT means this stirring of the airs around 
within me; this strange and pleasant quick- 
ening of the night? Why shines the moon 
more bright, the stars more lovely, while 
thrills my heart with some new-born delight? All 
my life seems poured into this hour, and more beyond, 
forever more beyond. All light and might are caught 
and held in a moment. I say, " Whence comest thou, 
what art thou ? " Then broke the night into thy face 
beloved, and I knew 'twas thee it meant and told 
of, and I was content. Pray God the airs about thee 
beat time to my poor form as well and swell its shape 
to that my heart contains. 



29 



UN COUP DE CCEUR 

EONIDE se reposait 

Paisiblement aupres d'un orme. 
Le vent du crepuscule touchait 
Legerement sa jolie forme. 

A Tentourage les ombres profondes 
Tremblaient tout silencieusement, 
Caressant sa tete blonde 
Qui contenait I'esprit content. 

En volant, les heureux oiseaux 
Allaient chercher sur la rive 
Leur nourriture entre les roseaux 
Ou passait I'eau a voix plaintive. 

Soudainement un gros nuage 
S'epargnait lugubrement. 
La pluie tombait sur son visage, 
Suivie par des hurlements 

De tonnerre, lourdes et solennelles. 
Leonide, tremblant et blanche, 
Tachait courir. S'approchait d'elle 
Un homme appuiant sur une branche. 

" Belle demoiselle, ayez pitie 
D'un chasseur blesse mortellement 
Par un cruel coup d'acier 
Au coeur plonge tout soudainement." 

30 



Leonide, les yeux baisses, 
Demandait a I'etrange soufifrant 
Quelle aide elle pourrait lui donner. 
Et lui, sa jolie main prenant, 
A ses levres I'ayant levee, 
Repondait, " Par rattendrissement 
De cette voix, je suis sauve." 



31 



"MA PETITE ROSE" 

MA petite rose, 
Mignonne eclose, 
Rejouissant a part, 
Veux-tu me plaire — 
Veux-tu me faire 
Cadeau de ton bel art? 
Si non, je n' saurai oii trouver 
Un pareil maitre d'amour, 
Qui donne la joie 
A qui que ce soit 
Et travaille nuit et jour. 



32 



B 



A SONG 

(She sings) 
RING me posies. 

Each rose is a moment, which linked to the 

other 

Forms a garland with which I shall capture my 
lover. 
Bring me posies. 

My love is a star that dwelleth afar 
For the spheres to behold: 
But to me he brings posies from Paradise — 
Bring me posies. 

Why comes he not hither? 
My garland will wither. 

Bring me fresh posies from Paradise. 

(He sings) 
I come. 

I trample the winds to gather their sweetness, 
I mount on their backs to capture their fleetness. 
I bring thee rare posies from Paradise. 



33 



ODE TO THE FOREST FAIRIES 

TRIP ye blithesome fairies nearer, 
That we see those dainty feet; 
Each than other forms seems fairer. 
As with tiny hands ye beat 
On those timbrels. 

(Chorus) 
Oh, ye symbols 

Of life's airy joys, draw near; 
Singing, " Dance the heart benimbles, 

For the morrow take no care." 

In the glades of leafy rafter, 
Spread ye honey sweet repast; 

In the glad green dells your laughter 
Ripples like the brook, and fast 
With it mingles. 

(Chorus) 
Oh, ye symbols 

Of life's airy joys, draw near; 
Singing, " dance the heart benimbles, 

For the morrow take no care." 



34 



When fair day, with hours drooping 
Like rose petals, ere they fall, 

Faintly smiles, come fairies grouping 
Their sweet forms 'neath even's thrall 
Sweet their jingles. 

(Chorus) 
Then ye symbols 

Of life's airy joys, draw near; 
Singing, " Dance the heart benimbles. 

For the morrow take no care." 



35 



TO A SNOWSTORM 

SIFT ye flakes through leaden skies, 
Sift ye ! 
Drift ye snows in idle wise, 

Drift ye ! 
Lift, cold earth, thy frozen breast, 

Lift thee ! 
Rift, ye frosts, with stubborn zest, 

Rift ye ! 
Whither wend ye icy winds, 

Whither? 
Hither bend your wayward minds 

Hither ! 
Prithee, bear my love apart, 

Prithee ! 
Sift ye Love through her maiden heart, 

Sift ye ! 
Thus shall wintry storms be past. 

Winging 
On Love's message hold them fast! 

She comes springing! 



J 



THE HILL GODS 

OY with the sun is dawning, 
The Hill Gods clap their hands, 

As merry dryads, laughing. 
Run by the golden sands. 



The silver birches glitter 

Before the rising sun. 
The twinkling leaves aquiver, 

Strive a race to run. 

Glad breezes freshly rising, 

Cover the joyous sea, 
And leaping waves are chasing 

The nymphs full merrily. 

While silver fishes springing 

Upon the ocean's back. 
String tiny purple bubbles 

Along a foaming track. 

The white seagulls are sweeping 
Among the pearly clouds 

That t'ward the hills are weaving 
Their misty, formless shrouds. 

The Hill Gods draw their quivers 
Of steely arrows white; 

Shrinks timid morning paling. 
And shields her gentle light. 

Z7 



Now muffled drums are sounding 
From out the darkening sky; 

Enters the sun full sadly 
Within his palace high. 

The spritely dryads seeking 
Their homes in hollow tree, 

Through leafy portals leaning 
The weeping Storm Queen see. 

Her sad-eyed maidens moaning, 
Mount on the rising wind; 

While guides their tragic lady 
Her plunging horses blind. 

At length the Hill Gods weary 
Call for a truce from war; 

Hiding their flashing arrows 
They hail the sun afar. 

The gladsome nymphs returning. 
Challenge the smiling waves; 

While the sun, all clouds dispersing, 
His sparkling pathway paves. 

To harp of golden sunbeams, 
Chanting her ballads free, 

Now gathers fair joy her tresses, 
And laves them in the sea 



38 



B 



ARETHUSA 

EHOLD, my form gleaming, 
My golden locks streaming, 
With foam hotly teeming, 
Rock-imprisoned I lie. 



Full woefully moaning, 
My sins thus atoning. 
With piteous groaning 
Mounts the wind my loud cry 

To this brook to relieve me, 
That hastes to deceive me. 
To grieve me and leave me, 
Flowing carelessly by. 

Fate loudly condemning. 
The current scarce stemming 
That fast my form's hemming 
From shore, still hope I 

That Pan, all availing, 
Will hear my sad wailing 
E'er, my free spirit failing, 
I, as mortal, must die. 

But the crystal stream creeping, 
Arethusa fast steeping. 
Her spirit is sweeping 
From all form apart. 

39 



/ 



Her sorrows unending, 
Their mournful ways wending, 
Like a bell the airs rending, 
Still tolls her sad heart. 



MAY 

WITH swift swerve of her robes the young Spring 
turned 
And faced the smiling South : 
" Embrace me, my sister ! My heart hath yearned 

For the touch of thy honied mouth. 
Press thy Hps to my cheek in blessings mete, 

Speak to me words of love; 
For my heart is glad and my limbs are fleet 

The joys of my lord to prove. 
Then the fair South turned with an outstretched hand 

And kissed the young Spring's cheek. 
" Be thou queen," she said. " Over sea and land 

Do thou conquer the mountain bleak. 
Be thy days as sweet as the wild moss rose, 

Thy nights as limpid pools; 
For the great god Pan late thy young heart chose, 

To regale his mind in the cools 
Of thy maiden breast with its scented sighs, 

Thy locks of rainbow hue; 
With the sound of thine early morning cries 

To his love, which is always new. 



41 



SUMMER 

ABOVE the beauty of the earth and sky, 
Descending like a gentle noonday rain, 
Sweet Summer drops her veil of misty hue 
In scented tincture steeped of violet blue. 
She draws from out earth's deepest treasure hold. 
Riches of vine and blossoms, fruit and grain; 
Naught can resist her tender winning wiles; 
Then o'er her fair accompHshment she smiles. 



42 



A LULLABY 

RAISE, raise, raise ye mighty nights and days 
Your hymns of praise. 
Rove, rove, rove ye winged winds above 
With songs of love. 
Lave, lave, lave thou laughing crystal wave 

This rocky cave. 
Keep, keep, keep my tender babe asleeo 
Lest he should weep. 



43 



H 



THE HERMIT MAID 

ER mind suffused with quietude, 
She walks beneath the stars; 

Or chants in leafy solitude 
Her tender, mystic bars. 



The trees cast shade in plenitude 

Upon her pathway lone; 
The Earth rebounds with gratitude 

Her lightest touch to own. 

Wood hollows echo carefully 

Her mellow, limpid tones; 
Birds lend their chorus cheerfully. 

The rose her thorn atones 

By incense offered prayerfully 

Upon the willing wind, 
While smile her petals tearfully 

'Mid nightly dewdrops kind. 

The mountain stream runs warily 
With solemn, warning sound, 

While creep the black roots sparingly 
That lie above the ground. 

The timid hare runs fearlessly 

To sport himself abroad. 
And gentle fawns spring carelessly 

To play in glad accord. 

44 



Still moves the fair night dreamingly, 

Until the silver Moon 
The maiden's locks comb gleamingly, 

And she in slumber swoon. 



45 



DEATH 

AN icy drop in the smoking cup, 
Black cloud on noonday sky, 
A colorless pool 'mid the sunlit fields 
Whose still depth holds the eye; 
Where sombre pines are sentinels; 
Where fails the morning light; 
Nearing that brink all living things 
Are slackened in their flight 
Along life's thronging thoroughfares; 
And moving as in sleep, 
Witless, approaching suddenly. 
They pause to rest or weep. 
O Death, thou shadow 'cross the sun, 
Wise sister of the Night ! 
Swift are thy feet, meet is thy touch, 
And still unchecked thy might. 



46 



B 



THE SONG OF A DEAD LEAF 

LOW thou spring breeze, and bear me youth 
again ! 
A withered leaf still clinging to my tree, 
What place have I mid buds bedecked with rain ? 
Or scented flowers waving glad and free? 

Mid those that crouch within the springing grass, 
Like timid fawns that human eye would shun, 

Which, falling softly neath the feet that pass. 
Oft lie unseen, when their sweet course is run? 

But from such meekness let me learn content, 
I'll hie me where the bygone blossoms grow; 

No longer idly here need strength be spent; 
But, dropping on yon stream, I'll swiftly flow 

To lands where no man's heart his fortune rues; 

Where dwell no longer wintry cold and gloom. 
Where spring and summer hold their lovely hues. 

And naught of beauty ceases more to bloom. 



47 



T 



A LOVE LAMENT 

HE lonely river winds toward the sea, 
The night is black, the winds are sorrowing, 

The mountains stand in dark severity- 
Above the forest coldly towering. 



Hushed are the birds as in the still of death. 
The heavy clouds hang chill and lowering. 

The earth exhales a dank and dreary breath. 
From which shrink flowers lowly cowering. 

While I crouch helpless in my bed of woe. 

Who, but an hour since with beauty flowering, 

Did sing " How fair is love " with heart aglow, 
Nor knew that I from Joy was only borrowing. 



THE SAIL 

A SONG broke out of the glowing east, 
The song of a sunlit sail. 
It flashed with the foaming wave abreast 
And sped with the winging gale. 
Strong Ocean's heart leapt alert and high 
'Gainst the breath of the running wind, 
That swept and soared where the great wastes lie. 

That hold the stars behind. 
Wide the light of the eastern fire 
Spreads o'er the tractless sea. 
As the hearts of dauntless men aspire 

Athwart eternity. 
On sped the sail o'er the shining waves 

As flits a loosened soul. 
It sang of the joy that saves, that saves, 
And sorang t'ward the western goal. 



49 



A VISION 

1SAW a country beautiful and wide, 
Where all appeared to minister to pride. 
Verdant it seemed and fruitful to the view 
And never seemed there lack of bounties new. 
Till wandering I tired, and reposed 
My grateful limbs upon a knoll exposed 
To aspect near and far so manifold 
In beauty, that I wept, and thus foretold 
The change that my new gaze would soon unfold. 
For now mine eyes, bedimmed with lustrous mist, 
Did further penetrate than I had wist, 
And slowly to my mind there did appear 
A heavy sorrow and a chilling fear. 
Behind the verdant vine and luscious fruit 
Was poison and corruption, pain acute 
Throbbed in each movement of fair Nature's form, 
Now forced by some power to conform 
Unto a demon's will that did transform 
Her to his likeness, till again I wept. 
At length I from my heavy sorrow slept. 
Then all was peace and silence for a space. 
As rests some heated runner from his race, 
Until from out the silence there arose 
The sound of flowing water, my repose 
Enhanced grew with gentle music made 
By drop uniting drop in dusky glade 
Of waving willows which my vision stayed. 
Refreshed, I started further on my way. 
With sad remembrance covered by new day; 

SO 



While ever did the flowing water, wrought 

With light and shadow, on my mind brave thought 

Bestow, and drew me onward t'ward its source 

With swift alluring sylvan course. 

At length, into a grotto, dark and deep, 

It led me where the daylight ceased to keep 

Its tender vigil o'er my sight, and sleep 

Returned to offer me repose. 

Though a great stillness on my mind did close. 

My body seemed in movement with the stream. 

And 'neath my form its crystal shape did gleam. 

While slowly and full tenderly it bore 

Me on and outward to a misty shore. 

Here saw I nought of verdure or of life, 

Of vibrant beauty or of cruel strife, 

But all seemed cold and with a stillness rife. 

I wandered over rocks and deserts bare 

Of weed or flower, tree or fruit, yet fair 

Was this strange country to mine eye. 

I walked with grave delight, " In search of what 

and why ? " 
At length my heart did ask ; and then appeared 
A pool near to my feet, that uncompared 
For stillness and for blackness seemed. I gazed. 
And lo ! what I so quiet had appraised. 
At its dark centre motion showed. I raised 
My voice in joyful song, for here 
Lay that stream's source I had held dear. 
Then close it drew me as by magic spell. 
And soon my very being it did quell 
With power wonderful, vibration sweet. 
Though I was for its blessing all unmeet, 
Yet spoke that liquid tongue with mystic speech, 
And much of wisdom's wonder did me teach, 
While humbly I my eager heart did reach 
For its full blessing. Then came this command, 
" Return the way thou camest to the land 

51 



Of pain and beauty." Now in strength I fled 
Full swiftly back the way the stream had led 
Me on my search, and once again I trod, 
'Mid verdant groves and hills, the tender sod 
Of that fair land which richly had imbued 
My mind with rapture. Now with joy renewed 
I wept. Then came that demon forth, endued 
No more with dreaded strength, and fell 
Deathlike and helpless at my feet to tell 
That I had found the magic secret. Now 
Unto my will must he in sorrow bow. 
" Yea, thou must die," I said, " and from thee born 
Of this thy death shall rise an azure morn. 
Ne'er to be darkened more by pain or scorn." 
Then died the monster and rose Earth refreshed, 
No longer in her shame lay she enmeshed; 
But at my feet there rose a tender child. 
With eyes of azure blue that on me smiled. 



52 



THE GOBLINS. 

FORTH from their caves the merry goblins run, 
With strange grimace and bHnking at the sun, 
Whose warm caress they do not comprehend, 
But turn their tiny forms where trees defend 
Their addled brains from harmful midday heat, 
And there repose them on yon rocky seat. 

Speaks one, " We hear a maiden lieth near 
With none for her protection. Shall we dare 
To steal her golden armlets and her pearls. 
And pull with merry mischief at her curls?" 

Another frowned. " Friend, be not overbold ; 
They say a maiden's heart doth magic hold 
'Gainst harmful deed, so be she's innocent. 
And thwarts all power breathing ill intent." 

" Nay, let us venture," said a grinning third, 

" We'll face such odds as those. By yonder bird. 

Who told us where the sleeping maiden lies, 

I swear we'll gain good sport, not rue her cries." 

Then did he gather up his crooked limbs, 
And hop and amble to entice the whims 
Of those who, fearful, lagged a pace behind. 
And soon he drew them to one common mind. 

Now through the shadows of the open trees 
And o'er the velvet moss they move as breeze; 

53 



Alert and swift and full of merry wiles 

And sprightly mischief that dull time beguiles. 

At length they reach an open sunlit sward, 

Where, near a brook, her lovely head toward 

A spreading fir tree, lay the maid asleep. 

And in her slumbers she did softly weep. 

And murmur, " My beloved, faithful hound ! 

The day hangs heavily. Had I but found 

Thy welcome tracks ere I had wearied quite, 

I should be now where I'll not be to-night. 

Now may the saints defend my helpless life 

From harmful happening, I've no heart for strife." 

Then crowd the goblins round her sleeping form, 
As o'er a peaceful field descends a storm. 
And soon her jewels they have stolen all. 
Then wove they of light cobwebs a soft pall 
And cast it o'er her limbs and face and hair. 
And pinned it to the ground. Then in this snare 
They left her for a while, soon to return. 
With torches lit, her golden hair to burn. 

But when they played about her gentle head, 

The maid awoke, and to the goblins said, 

" Ye wanton creatures, are ye not content 

That ye my robes have torn, and me have pent 

Beneath this veil — my jewels too are gone — 

That ye my golden locks would now have shorn?" 

Ah, woe is me ! Why comes not my good friend ! 

He would unto your hearts such terror lend, 

As would your silly minds set in a maze. 

Then did the goblins wend their foolish ways 

To meditate in impish wise a plan 

For further mischief: but one stops to scan 

54 



The forest, and he soon a hound descries, 
That creeps upon his belly in snake wise. 

Now all have sighted the intrepid hound, 
And tremble lest by him they should be found. 
" So, ho, ye vassals of high sport and glee. 
And will ye not draw near, a guest to see ? " 

So spake the hound in accents danger sweet. 
And as he spoke, he stood upon his feet. 
But, like all foolish seekers after sport. 
Those goblins had no mind justice to court. 

So now, with patient toil and thrifty skill. 
The faithful hound undid their mischief, till 
The maid was free to go upon her way, 
In meek content, despoiled of display. 

But she fair garlands gathered on the road, 

And safe returned unharmed to her abode, 

In fairer mien, with sweeter jewels clad, 

Than when she forth had started — nor did sad 

Regret for stolen treasures more employ 

Her thoughtful mind or check her ardent joy. 

And were those goblins wiser when the night 

At length appeared and called them from their fright? 

Nay, but they soon forgot their pleasure sweet, 

And scampered home in vague concern, with feet 

As swift as those that hither led them first, 

And with such foolish hearts as fear might burst. 

Nor did they e'er return to find their spoil. 

Which, hidden, was ere long within the soil. 

So is all gain of idle finders lost. 
For they know nought of what life's treasures cost. 
And though sometimes dear justice seems to tarry 
He comes at length and homeward doth he carry 

55 



The wounded pilgrim who has held his faith. 
And to his grateful foundling then he saith, 
" Fear not the foolish goblins of the mind, 
They hold to nought of mischief that they find, 
But scatter soon as dust before the wind. 



THE HIDDEN LIGHT 

I DREAMED a dream. 
All was obscurity and silence for a space; then 
to mine ear came sound of voices calling, " We 
stumble, we fall, we lose our way; oh, for a 
guide to give us counsel ! " I hurried after, groping 
amid trees. Before me now fluttered a woman's gar- 
ments; now a man uttered an oath and struck at the 
air with his staff. 

At length we came to an open space of gentle char- 
acter. A stream, scarce moving, divided us from a 
tender sward whereon an old man sat. Behind him 
rose a great oak tree, spreading its strong branches in 
calm protection o'er his silver head. Methought he 
was an hermit. His garb was rude, and there was 
that in his mien which bespoke a life of solitude. 

We gazed in silence; then the hermit spoke. Me- 
thought his voice was as the breath of winter at even. 
" What seek ye ? " A maid in white apparel, who had 
ever walked in advance of the company, made swift 
answer. " We seek the hidden light. Methinks I see 
it flickering ahead, but 'tis deceiving, oft I stumble in 
the search." 

Hermit. — Ah ! 'Tis the old tale. Think not, my 
child, that the light ahead is that ye seek; 'tis but the 
Will-o'-the-whisp, which is often seen in these parts. 
'Twill, indeed, lead ye astray. 

Maid. — How then. Father, may we learn to know the 
real from the unreal, since we may not walk by day lest 
we distinguish not the hidden Hght? 

57 



Hermit. — When the stones turn to sod 'neath your 
feet, and the earth renews your strength at each step, 
when the air breathes dehght on your cheek and the 
heavens become as the smile of God — then ye may 
know that ye have found the hidden light, and ye may 
take rest 'neath its charm. 

Maid. — Father, surely thou hast found this light? 

Hermit. — Yea, I dwell 'neath its caress, waiting for 
the hour when the earth shall be withdrawn from me, 
and my love shall be one with it forever. 

Maid. — Father, may I remain near thee, and learn of 
thee that the light is here? 

Hermit. — Nay, my child, each of us must find it sep- 
arately. Part from thy companions, part from me also. 
The light unites us, but we must not unite ourselves. 

The maid, sighing, bade farewell to her fellow trav- 
ellers, and went on her way alone. At times she met 
them, and oftenest the hermit crossed her path until 
he became one with the light. Then she travelled 
more easily, and at last she, too, became free to wait 
'neath the Shadow for the Dawn. 



58 



DEATH OF THE GODDESS OF SPACE 



O 



VER the clouds the goddess roams 
Toward the golden West, 
'Mid chilly shrouds in their matchless domes 
She halts at length to rest. 



The stars appeared, and the night winds lulled 

Her weary soul to sleep. 
The planets heard where the rivers culled 

The tears that the zephyrs weep. 

The Ocean laughed, ere the night had waned, 
For joy that the goddess slept; 

While her silver raft, wdth lightning stained, 
Soft o'er the black hills crept. 

The winds adrift, with a mighty peace. 

Challenged the distant stars, 
That widened a rift and formed a lease 

With the nearing, swerveless years. 

We'll pour our love through these misty veins, 

And rain on the earth beneath. 
Ho, ye winds that wove the purple stains 

Of the earthly ways of Death 

To a crimson pall of sorrow and woe, 

Gather your scattered trails; 
Come to our call and swift bestow 

Your mournful, tongueless wails. 

59 



We'll purge you, we'll urge you to kill your lies 
And sing of the love of Heaven. 

We'll race you, we'll trace you with silver eyes, 
That aeons t'ward earth have driven. 

Their matchless truth with patience mild 

And tenderness eternal, 
To win your ruth and your rovings wild 

T'ward blackened wastes infernal. 

Long, long we sang of the Maker's love 

To distant human ears. 
The heavens rang, but we ne'er could move 

The sluggish earthen airs — 

Now have we caught the Goddess dread. 

And laid her in a tomb 
Of white mists, wrought for her queenly bed, 

That forms a mystic womb 

Of power and light for the dawning age. 

Now trample the withered past; 
Begone dull Night with your storms that rage, 

We bring you the day at last. 



60 



AN ALLEGORY 

BEHOLD a vision that mine eyes have seen 
And may men truth from out this vision glean. 
Awaking from sweet sleep with misty mind, 
Methought I heard a message in the wind 
Which said, " Awake and speed upon my wing 
That I thine all impoverished soul may bring 
To vision marvellous." 

Straightway I sped, and swiftly, with my guide. 
We crossed dim seas, where swelled a wondrous tide. 
At length he left me on an airy isle 
And bade me there remain and watch awhile. 
At first nought met my eager gaze but mist, 
And rolling waves that ever seemed to wist 
Knowledge mysterious. 

Then rose two noble mountains, fair and vast. 
Upon them from the east and west were cast 
Lights beautiful. Full from the west came rays 
Like airy flights of ruddy wings that daze 
The enthralled sight to blindness. From the east 
Appeared a glow more wonderful, released 
From mystic arteries. 

It flowed a crystal stream of mellow light. 
Which to my searching eyes did lend clear sight. 
'Twas from the south upon these peaks I gazed, 
And clearly now distinguished, though amazed 

6i 



By sluggish sense, their fair proportions. Now 
Full swift my guide returned, and on my brow 
Breathed mystic rarities. 

He said, " Fly westward with the ebbing tide, 
That I may show thee what strange things betide 
These mountains fair." And thus I sped in haste, 
And ever marked their beauty interlaced 
With light and shadow, till at length I camo. 
Full on the western side, where set in flame. 
One peak stood glittering. 

It seemed from out its summit to spout fire. 
" This," said my guide, " is passionate desire 
Toward Creation's planet, whence this glow 
Arises." Lo, behind in deep shadow 
Stood that fair peak mine eyes before beheld, 
As side by side with this, which my mind felled. 
To its depth shattering. 

My guide sustained me. "Falter not, he said; 
This light which dominates thy sight is dead 
Compared to that which rises from the east, 
As weak compared to it as is wild beast 
Beneath the tamer's eye or hunter's knife. 
'Tis death this breathes, the other bringeth life." 
I, wondering, 

Besought my guide to take me to the east. 
And there arrived, my troubled terrors ceased. 
Before me stood the snow-topped mountain pure. 
Serene, majestic, gifted to allure 
My laden soul to gladness. There behind 
The western peak on fire stood. " Unwind, 
With pondering 

This mystic riddle." Said mine airy guide. 
I answered, " I must look upon the side 

62 



Where first I sighted these two mountains strange; 
There may I ponder with a widened range." 
Returning to the isle where first I stood, 
I saw with strengthened vision, wiser mood, 
Reflectingly 

The deep communion these two mountains held 
One with the other, and straightway beheld 
A dread abortion on the western side 
Of the fair snow-topped peak. My mind was tried 
Unto its utmost strength to comprehend 
This mystery. I prayed my guide to lend 
Me aid befriendingly. 

Then he replied, " Behold the color lurid 
Cast from Creation's fire, making sullied 
The fairer surface of the eastern peak. 
'Tis poison to its verdure, turning bleak 
The tender soil and growth upon its bank; 
With growth unwholesome making its roots rank 
Unendingly." 

Strange was it to behold the eastern slope 
Of the mount opposite. Again to grope 
For wisdom was my need, till I descried 
Alone and without counsel from my guide 
That it was bathed with soft reflected light 
From eastern rays, descending in their might 
Unswervingly, 

Like white-winged doves from the high peak of snow; 
And they an inward courage did bestow 
Upon my weary mind. Then gentle sleep 
Appeared, and hovered softly near to keep 
My soul from searching further: thus bereft 
Of thought and sight and faithful guide I left 
In gratitude, 

63 



My wondrous problem, and a calm repose 
Untouched for sweetness swiftly did enclose 
My very being to its depths. How long 
I thus remained I know not. Then came strong 
Reminder, and my senses woke to light, 
As springs refreshed earth from cloak of night. 
Beatitude 

Was written in my heart — I knew not how, 
But my guide came and read it on my brow. 
" Now watch," he said, " and all will yet be well, 
And thou the riddle of the years mayest spell." 
The mountains in a mist enveloped seemed, 
Their hiding had some purpose strange I deemed, 
But suddenly 

The mist removed. Now standing in clear light 
I saw two figures on the mountain height. 
Each on a separate summit stood, and gazed 
Upon each other, gladdened and amazed 
They seemed. Upon the western mount mid glare 
Of fire stood a man. Upon the fair 
Peak gleamingly 

A woman clothed in white apparel smiled, 
And all the heavens seemed by her beguiled 
She faced the man amid desire's flame. 
And he, with loud voice, did to her proclaim 
His love and homage. She heeded not the light 
Behind, above her, flooding her with might; 
But dreamily 

She outward held her snowy hand toward 
The goodly form of Human Love. A sword 
Flashed in the air between them, within reach 
Of either man or woman, unto each 

64 



Was given equal strength to hold and use 
This sword, to honor, cherish or abuse 
In liberty 

Its mystic force. The woman's blinded eyes 
Mistook the western fire for the wise, 
Keen, stainless light of mystic love. The sword 
She seized, and hurled it to her chosen lord. 
He caught and brandished it with joyous shout; 
Then did he turn his goodly form about 
And fearlessly 

He gazed, and full, upon the western glow. 
Nor on the fair snow peak did more bestow 
His blinded sight; but ever down the side 
Of his stern mount which faced that peak, a tide 
Of Hght there flowed from infinite desire 
Which held in check the lurid western fire. 
Adoringly, 

Kneeling the woman watched with steadfast love. 
At times he turned and smiled upon her. " Prove 
She cried, " Thy power over worlds, and drive 
The dust of ages from the skies. Deprive 
The planets of their wonted course. Reserve 
Your greater strength for distant years. Preserve 
Warily 

Your youth and beauty and your fervent pride. 
Which is my treasure. Nought can me betide 
But joy, whilst thou dost love thyself and me, 
And we twain dwell together joyful, free." 
So spake the woman, and the ages passed 
Like hours, while I in silence watched. At last 
Wearily, 

She rose as though awaking from a dream, 

And straightway turning faced tht eastern beam. 

65 



" 'Tis thou," she cried, *'I should have worshiped ! Cure 
My foolish soul of that which did allure 
It t'ward my erring but beloved mate. 
That I may aid him, for it groweth late." 
Full tenderly 

Was she then purged of her leaden dross, 
By fire white with purity. No loss 
Was there of beauty or of youth, but gain 
When her fair soul was cleansed of each stain. 
Now slowly did her mate turn him toward 
Her noble form, and hurling back the sword, 
Cried woefully, 

" My love, my guide, my comforter return. 
Nor leave me in this flame alone to burn 
My .weary heart to ashes. Where art thou? 
Behold I see thy stately form, but now 
Thou turnest from me; take the sword and lead. 
But leave me not." Thus did he sadly plead 
Despairingly. 

He fell upon the ground. Then hastily 
She turned toward the north and lovingly 
Now offered him the sword, but held the point. 
" Approach, my love," she said. " Let me anoint 
Thine eyes with purity, then let us flee 
To northern spheres where dwell the mighty free 
Eternally." 

Now o'er the chasm, twixt the rocky peaks, 
With fire in his gaze he boldly leaps. 
The sword they hold, the mountains roll in one, 
And on rny sight a wondrous glory shone. 



(^ 



TO THE OLD YEAR 



DEAR year, now past into our God's safe keeping, 
Thy blessing with us leave, but bear beyond 
The idols of our hearts, and sweeping 
All selfish passions far, rid us of bond. 
High lift them as dead leaves from clinging branches, 

In triumph bear them on the wings of time ! 
Till as the trees whose beauty Autumn blanches, 
We, sternly true, stand, purged of selfish crime. 

Like them that by cold blasts rudely deflowered. 
Defying frost, face winds with pliant strength ; 
So grief has with new life our souls empowered; 
Each quiver may we freely greet at length. 
No longer vainly solace seeking here. 
Cleansed now from dead adornments of this year. 



^1 



ANOTHER DAY 



ANOTHER day breaks on our doubtful life, 
The Master Hand not yet the way has blocked, 
Nor have the skies their treasure houses 
locked ; 
But leave us still to free will and its strife, 
And all the problems with which mind is rife; 
And like a skiff, upon deep waters rocked, 
That oft by waves against some crag is knocked, 
Man's heart is tossed, or scarred as with a knife. 

But though uncertain is our passage here, 

Oft come there moments of such keen delight 
As knows the eagle in his mighty flight; 
Among the clouds he travels without fear. 
So, mounting high above our grief, we care 
For naught but freedom and increase of light. 



68 



ON ELEANOR'S WEDDING-DAY 

SLOWLY the day unfurls her radiant wings, 
Spreading her lovely pinions o'er the earth, 
Which from embrace of night serenely springs 
As forth from the unseen break souls at birth. 
The heart of man with ardor new doth thrill, 

Greeting the light with fervent hope of good. 
He beareth with brave mind the chance of ill. 
Nor over distant wrong doth longer brood. 
E'en so dost thou, dear bride of this day's gift, 

Spread thy sweet radiance o'er our gladdened sight ; 
Thou owest much that's fair to nature's thrift; 

Thy smiling eyes beam on our hearts the light 
Of winged joy, which o'er thy brow is shed 
By hands unseen that here thy feet have led. 



69 



FAITH 

HIGH in the mystic heavens hangs the star 
Of faith, whose beams unceasingly descend 
Upon the troubled earth and it defend 
From weak despair and from distracted grief; 
Forever lending man a sweet relief 
From overcharged mind and heart at war 
With Fate, that merciless holds sway afar. 
Yea, bids us feed upon the thought of Love, 
Which, as magician, lends creation grace. 
And casts a gleam of promise o'er the earth. 
Whose mighty web all beautiful doth prove 
When seen in full expanse, so we may trace 
God's power by the light of faith, nor rove 
More, aimless, under stars of lesser worth. 



70 



ODE TO A SONG BIRD 

FLY on, sweet bird, and let me follow thee; 
Show me this world as viewed upon the wing. 
From such high scope no longer shall I see 
Those trivial ills that to men torment bring. 
Teach me the love which from thy throat flows free 

Of sordid care, so high with thee I'll spring, 
And learn the meaning of thy blithesome glee, 

While with each heart beat to thy song I'll cling. 
Fly on, then, in thy free simplicity ! 

Thy sweet singing never grievings vary; 
Who knowest naught of man's duplicity. 
Yet in thy winging thou art ever wary, 
Who with no fevered heart dost pleasure seek, 
And ever shelter find'st when winds are bleak. 



71 



AS HEAVEN'S LOVE 

AS Heaven's Love our darkened souls behind, 
So 'twixt the trees the setting sun sheds glow, 
Nor doth its light with cruel force bestow; 
But with the trees 'tis tenderly combined. 
So fashions God His smile upon the mind. 
Till these dull hearts, with painful steps and slow, 
Into the fullness of His glory grow, 
Lest with too sudden light our sight He blind. 
Upon the mountain God's severer sign 
Of justice dwells, His warning to impart, 
But in the forest where the gentle vine 
Creeps o'er the oak. He speaks to humble heart, 
And lends to parched lip the precious wine 
Of human intercourse with law Divine. 



72 



WE MOVE IN DANGER 

WE move in danger. Thickly the dread host 
Of perils throngs about our helpless lives, 
And foolish they who of their safety boast. 
Wise, rather, he who his soul daily shrives, 
Who faithful, standing at appointed post. 
To meet the hour's need humbly contrives; 
Nor asks the guides unseen to what strange coast 
His lonely craft draws near, or when arrives. 
For stand they close, those white-browed mystic guides, 
Nor through their midst does jot of peril move 
By them unsanctioned. Though his face he hides. 
Their kindly Captain bares the sword of love, 
He calm o'er broken seas of fate abides, 
As hovers o'er a storm a quiet dove. 



73 



INTUITION 

AT her wise will let Nature fling her dart 
Of fire through thy mind, and hinder not 
By prudent calculation of thy lot 
The operations of her magic art: 
Nor guide the feet of love toward thy heart, 
Who knoweth well where lies each hidden spot 
Within his realm, nor heedeth foolish plot 
That would to lesser gods his rights impart. 
Not by a swift obedience to his call 
Is destiny of man marred on the earth; 
They oft a glad response to love recall 
Who would their joys increase nor mar their worth. 
But ever greater ills to them befall 
Who homage pay to gods of lower birth. 



74 



FAIR CHURCH OF CHRIST 

FAIR Church of Christ, thou dost belie thine end 
By foolish tongues that prate incessantly 
Of lofty vengeance, which no love can bend, 
In mind of God, throughout eternity. 

Thou jugglest with the logic of his law, 

Striving to fit it with erroneous sense 

Of text misunderstood amid the store 

Of wisdom gleaned from lips of Christ. Intense 

Desire to promulgate his word begets 

Misuse of terms and baneful obstinacy; 

And oft the ardent man of God forgets 

The all important need of accuracy 

In law divine and human penetration 

Of that high law, and its interpretation. 



75 



THE PARENTS 

YE wise and faithful parents in whose nest 
Your fledglings lie in keen expectancy, 
Whose tiny throats from clamor scarce take rest, 
Whom hunger rules as man in infancy. 
Within your hearts no erring love is known, 

Content ye are in sheltering your young 
So long they fledglings be, but like seed sown, 

When strong of wing they to the winds are flung. 
Nor cling ye more to rights of guidance. Swift 

Ye turn another nest to fashion, singing 
As cheerily the while as when your thrift 

Careful to hungered young would food be bringing. 
Their offspring grown, so may the parents cease 
To govern, and yield freely their increase. 



7^ 



WASTE 



WHAT waste is there of pleasure on the earth ! 
How many are the fruits that drop unseen, 
Because by man unlooked for is their worth, 
Whose narrow mind is to his eye a screen. 
Oft to his gaze of bounty there is dearth. 

And passing hungry where he food might glean, — 
He rues a state forlorn, which, from his birth, 

Has oft a fruitless search for pleasure been. 
But some there are, whose hearts with life content, 

Make earnest quest for hidden fragments rare; 
On healing human ills, kindly intent, 

They to the angels oft for aid repair. 
The mind that seeks to help is seldom pent 
In selfish wants, but heavenward is sent. 



77 



TO THE MAINE COAST 

DOST crave a draft of nectar from the Gods 
To stir the cooling tenor of thy blood? 
Then set thy face toward the northern wood, 
Nor rest until thou treadst its mossy sods. 
Then enter the deep forest ; keenly prods 
The temper of the air, while stirring flood 
Of beauty thy mind decks with magic mood. 
Which is no more benumbed by earthen clods. 
Now outward press toward the windy seas, 
Scenting the salty essence of their spray; 
Let thy feet wander far along the leas, 
Where holds the sweet wild rose her gentle sway. 
And lives in fair content her little day. 
Thus may*st thou from the Gods wrench fresh decrees. 



78 



MEN AND THEIR SHADOWS 

MEN and their shadows move in company, 
Man's life and death are walking hand in hand. 
While treading- earthly ways their bodies stand 
A pace ahead, but when the spirit by 
Unwonted fervor cuts the numbing tie 
Of sense entanglement, as melts a band 
Of iron 'neath some stress of heat unmanned 
By such hot furnace, then their shadows lie, 
A mark ahead, as 'gainst a bank of mist 
Some form will send its likeness on before. 
So when Death's Angel speaks, the senses list 
At first but dimly, then must needs obey 
And pass reluctant into Heaven's ray, 
Where blends all lesser light into the more. 



79 



TO THE FIREMEN 

THOU breed of heroes from a golden age 
Of romance and high chivalry divine; 
New-born to succor men who now confine 
Their keener ardors unto worldly sage 
And counsel. Freely your blood flows savage 
In strength, unmixed with the thinner wine 
Of prudence or shrewd policy feline, 
Yet lacking brutal thirsts for blood that rage 
Within fierce, lower forms of beast or man. 
To thee the homage of the age be paid. 
At your brave feet, our meagre praise is laid, 
Who dared not follow when the day began, 
And ye your choice of simple courage made, 
But are content to mark the road ye ran. 



80 



TO THE TIGER 

THOU monstrous beast that holds the world in 
awe, 
Whose supple limb is fearful masterpiece, 
Thy powers through the ages ne'er decrease. 
Nor halt the terrors of thy pronged paw, 
Whose crafty blow thy prey drops dead before. 
To thee hath Heaven given wondrous lease 
Of voice that, but for stroke of death, would cease 
Not ever to repeat its mighty roar. 
How doth wise nature in thy form combine 
A heart whose cruel thirst ne'er slaketh wine 
Save blood of prey, with softest grace feline. 
May we within that fierce breast mercy reach? 
Who knows what latent love, what tender speech ' 
Lurks there t'ward mate and young in shape divine? 



8i 



WINTER 

WITHIN the heart of Nature Winter lieth, 
Like some rare thought not yet to be ex- 
pressed. 
None who her bounties praise e'er him de- 
crieth, 
Though they by his stern beauty be oppressed. 
How dost thou still the heat of vain endeavor, 
And freeze into pure substance vulgar love ! 
None but the true can win thy lofty favor 
Or learn the riches of thy mind to prove. 
Though I far from thy presence dwell awhile, 
Nor can now through thy crystal chambers rove, 
Yet shall my heart prove staunch spite Summer's wile 
Until I stand again beneath thy smile. 



THE REFLECTION 

HOW well doth Nature imitate the soul! 
With what a limpid mirror she reflects 
Its subtle beauty ! Her keen eye detects 
Each slightest movement, greeting it with toll 
Of answering wind and wave, which ever roll 
In truthful measure where her hand directs. 
The sorrow-burdened heart how soon erects 
Its mournful image in the plaintive dole 
Of warbling birds. They in their turn console 
The darkened mind from which their grief they stole. 
Breezes that pass touch us like unfulfilled 
Thoughts, which vanish skyward ere their perfect birth, 
At whose looked-for approach the heart is thrilled, 
Yet glean they in retreat a dearer worth. 



83 



LIVE AND MAKE NO COMPLAINT 

LIVE, and make no complaint ; complaint is death,- 
Taste, but avoid degeneracy; 
Strain not when dying for prolonged breath, 
Nor strive for knowledge; 'tis mere fallacy. 
Search not for pleasure when she stands aloof, 

For can'st thou tell when thou hast had thy fill? 
So dost thou maim thy soul, and earn'st reproof, 
In striving man to help 'gainst Heaven's will. 

To what end then is Life if so we must 
The heart forever check in its free play? 

Must ever urge the will lest baneful crust 

Creep o'er the eyes and blind their sight of Day? 

All souls as infants grow, till they attain 

Wisdom themselves to know, and freedom gain. 



84 



A LOVE SONNET 

THE Moon sheds forth her nectar on the Earth, 
The stars assemble in fair galaxy; 
Each homage pays, as to a Queen bends serf. 
From whose white hands is dealt no tyranny. 
The breast of Ocean heaves with passion sweet, 

'Neath her caress sighing contentedly. 
The winds pass gently by with happy feet. 

Their salutations breathing tenderly. 
And thou, my love, wilt turn those orbs awhile. 

And flood my soul with purest harmony? 
Outshine the moon with paler, fairer smile. 

Bearing a touch of high divinity? 
So shall the nectar which from moonlight flows 
Seem thin to that rich wine thy look bestows. 



85 



TO THE MATRIX OPAL 

THOU stone of complex beauty and device, 
Caught from the earth and sky at sunset hour. 
How dost thou in rich mien the mind embower ! 
Low in the worldly market is thy price, 
Whose values rise and fall as drop its dice; 
But precious is thy glowing human dower 
That doth, with keener sight, the mind empower, 
And dull content make pleasure in a trice. 
I have a friend whom thou dost well portray, 
Whose mind is warm and fair in coloring; 
From whose keen soul springs flash of night and day. 
And changes oft in the discovering. 
Valued she is by all who know her worth 
And ever to her friendships lends new birth. 



DAWN 

ARISE ethereal Dawn and spread thy veil 
Of mystic wonder o'er the earth who sleeps 
As yet awaiting thy commands. The deeps 
Spread joyous summons each to each, and hail 
Thy sweet approach as that of maiden pale 
With lustrous thought who o'er her beauty weeps. 
Thou passest gently on, the darkness creeps 
In silence from thy path, while on the trail 
Of some wild beast the hunter's step is known. 
Now Earth awakes and on thy form attends. 
Her beauty follows thine and with it blends, 
While Loves upon thy pathway grief bestow 
Until thou diest — lo, late the hours atone 
For thy sad absence in the sunset's glow. 



87 



NIGHT AND DAY 

WITH maiden blush Day pauses in her flight, 
And hails the presence of her sombre love, 
Whose grave apparel richly interwove 
With gleaming stars, smiles on her glad- 
dened sight, 
With gaze of love that gloweth with the might 
Of worlds and ages where they twain do rove. 
In beauty fit they each to each, by Jove 
Mated, born of Time and purposed for delight. 
Their nuptial hour passed they spring again, 
Each to his separate course, nor are delayed 
By vain repinings for a last embrace; 
Knowing that, as the sure hours wing, the face 
Of the beloved returns once more to reign 
In fresh attainment of strong love repaid. 



APRIL 

^t ■"^IS the season of sleep, Earth's pulse is slow. 
I Unconscious she waits the moment of change 
With limbs relaxed; her speech is strange, 
Her voice, like the sleepers, is cold and low, 
While the shadows of dreams flit across her brow. 
What are the thoughts that enchant her sleep ? Range 
Upon range they stand, as though to estrange 
Her soul from freedom, and on her bestow 
Some magic spell. She wakes, and lo ! the smile 
Of maiden joy breaks o'er her pallid face. 
She springs to life, yet grieves to leave awhile 
Those tender dreams; while slowly she her pace 
Increases, and with motion rich in grace 
She onward walks the ages to beguile. 



89 



AUGUST 

LO Summer grows aweary of her loom, 
Her silken thread runs haltingly and slow, 
Her wondrous eyes drooping with languor; 
gloom 
Of promised sleep lies heavy on her brow. 
Her golden web is woven end to end, 
Its thread waits to be broken. Then will bend 
The sickle of the harvest moon along 
Ripe orchards and the golden corn — the while 
Small crickets lend their cheerful busy song 
That heralds Autumn's sway and so beguile 
The nights that lie between them and his frost. 
In silence earth prepares her bulwarks strong 
To shield her handmaid from unwelcome cost 
Of coming storms, lest jot of Summer's lost. 



90 



SEPTEMBER 

BENIGNLY Autumn smiles upon the earth. 
His gaze a kind approval manifests, 
And Summer's well-performed task arrests, 
With gentle hand expressive of her worth. 
Nor doth his keener touch bring sudden dearth 
Of Summer's gentle charms; nor uses tests 
Of stormy winds and rains or icy pests, 
Foretelling advent of stern Winter's birth. 
But holding all of good doth nature blend 
Each season with the next, and their shapes bend 
To one sweet harmony. For her fair soul, 
Amid its movements rare that aspect lend 
Of many parts, doth ever swift attend 
To that high law which unifies the whole. 



91 



OCTOBER 

WELL launched is the Autumn on his way, 
For Winter follows with no ugly haste, 
Nor does fair Summer more prolong her stay 
Than by a parting smile whereby we taste 
Her queenly presence in the deepening glow 
Of fruitful verdure upon bush and bough. 
Since Autumn has the earth at his command 
The winds and sun upon his word bestow 
A swift attendance and lend willing hand 
To lengthen his career — So unto man 
Does each fresh season ofifer likeness fair 
Of his soul's beauty for his eye to scan, 
And learn withal of Nature's bounty rare 
That taketh earth and man beneath her care. 



92 



HAIL SOUL OF EARTH 

HAIL Soul of Earth, come forth ! The hour is free 
Of irksome light, and lo, the young night, filled 
With breath of love, thy form approaches, stilled 
By throb of hope. Let thy desires flee 
To greet their sweet fulfilment, Night waits thee 
With heart of limpid purity, distilled 
From uncouth mortal passion, stormy-willed 
Of lower purport, courting Death's decree. 
In your far-winged souls Love soars as wind 
Set free. Then rise sweet Earth and shed thy smiles 
Upon Night's yearning gaze; and flee as hind 
That its dear mate from out their lair beguiles 
To sport in fearless joy; while garish day 
In distant forests holds her potent sway. 



93 



SONNET TO FAITH 

THOU strong and patient handmaid of our God, 
Whose gaze swerves not from His fair coun- 
tenance, 
But gathers from His smile thy sustenance. 
How dost Thou guide out feet which, leaden shod, 
Hardly without Thy help could homeward plod; 
But ever are they lightened by a glance 
At Thy heroic form, whose flaming lance 
Became in Moses' grasp triumphant rod. 

Nor do we know the fullness of Thy might. 
Or when Thy penetrating eye may scan 
The vast circumference of Heaven's plan; 
At that glad hour shall our hungry sight 
Be fed with knowledge absolute of right. 
And Heaven's strength fall at the feet of man. 



94 



ODE TO ELIZABETH 

THOU lovely star whose crystal light 
Sheds on my heart a keen delight, 
Who tak'st the form of lithesome maid, 
At whose sweet feet is homage paid,— 
How didst thou gather from the skies 
The azure beauty of thine eyes? 

Thy smile didst thou from angel's glean. 

From fire nymphs thy touch of spleen; 

How often that expressive face 

Blends blithesome charm with Heaven's grace! 

Thy heart much pity doth contain, 

Fast fill those eyes at sight of pain. 

Full young thou art, here have I set 
Much praise that Future holdeth yet; 
But ever daily thou bestowest 
Joy upon me as thou growest. 



95 



ODE TO MARGARET 



M 



ARGARET, the amber-haired, 
Gentle flower, human born, 
By wise virtue kindly reared, 
Fit pure Heaven to adorn. 



From whose eyes a mellow light, 
As of moonbeam, shines on all; 

Lending lustre to the night. 

In whose voice lies tender thrall. 

Hast thou from some magic art 
Learnt the hours to beguile? 

Fast to hold my willing heart, 
And the world arrest the while? 



96 



CHRISTOPHER 

A PLANT of tender growth thou art, thou Httle man; 
Who, though at all times loth cold hearts to scan. 
Will face in thoughtful wise deep Nature's plan, 
And list with widened eyes how some brave clan 
Was killed for duty, nor from duty ran. 
Thou lov'st this earth, yet often look'st beyond 
To that more worth thy contemplation fond. 
And ne'er dost thou forget one thou hast loved. 
But guard'st with fervor sweet the friend thou'st proved. 



97 



HESTER 

1KN0W a little mother tender, sweet, 
Whose loving heart beats time to happy feet; 
That flutters o'er her young with matron's mien; 
Nor lacks she ever for their care a keen 
Intelligence, yet bides she all serene. 



CONRAD 

HAST seen a fawn dart shyly from thy sight, 
And hide him in the depth of forest green? 
Has some rare bird of quiet silver sheen 
Flown swift away far from thine eager ken ? 
I know a pair of eyes of steely gray 
That flash betimes with light of heaven, then 
Full swift withdraw the beauty of their gaze. 
And their beholder leave in sweet amaze. 



99 



E. W. C. 

HOW shall I pen thee, queen of nights and days, 
That tak'st from both their fairer mystic rays ? 
With flash and counterflash of light divine 
Thy spirit springs in energy sublime, 
And swiftly wings t'ward its eternal clime. 



TOO 



J. J. c. 

A PROPHET thou of no small heritage, 
That walk'st with head erect upon the stage 
Of mortal hours, bearing heart of sage 
Within thy breast; yet flash those eyes aglow 
With elfish humor or with human woe. 
Keen speech thou hast for all that cross thy path; 
Keen thoughts fresh burnished from the higher wrath 
Of soul in strong combat, then flash of love 
Doth check thine ardor and thy wisdom prove. 



lOI 



TO M. L. C. 

A NOBLE woman warrior thou, that hold'st high 
banner in thy hand, 
And walkest far abroad the land 
When times are needy. 
Thou warrest with small foes at home when times are 

weedy ; 
And many battles thou dost win 'gainst public sin. 
But ever 'neath thine armored steel array 
Lies heart of woman and a woman's way. 



loe 



TO S. W. 

GENIAL as sun to earth is friend to friend. 
Such friend wast thou to all whose mortal 
trend 
Did cross thy path, and swift didst thou attend 
To each fresh need with ardent interest and quick heed. 
A potent mind thou hadst to give to all, 
The talent that could well befall 
One human lot. 

And often goodness found'st where others found not. 
As rushing mighty stream, thy course pursuing, 
Thou fedest on thy source thy strength renewing. 
God's blessing on thy spirit, sweet and wonderful. 
That shed upon our path its bounties beautiful. 



103 



W. J. E. 

YOUNG as is a child at play wast thou, 
Sweet as some rare flower dropped from bough ; 
Strong as gnarled oak of lofty pine, 
Keen was thine eye and warm that heart of 
thine. 
Thou judgest not of men by written law, 
Nor in thy worship didst thy God adore 

By rote or rule; 
But ever didst thou hold before aught else 

The common weal. 
Fresh was thy life and clear as crystal springs. 
Though thou didst live to know what old age brings. 
Many there were to love thee and to cherish, 
But thou with honor didst thy children nourish. 



104 



J. C. E. 

MOTHER thou art to all who love or know thee, 
To heroes and to simple men as well. 
Kindly and wise, serene and wondrous lowly, 
With calm regard that breaks all morbid 
spell 
In those who listen at thy feet to gather 

The mellow harvest of thy mind and soul — 
To learn the goodness of the perfect Father, 
Who is thy pleasure and will be thy goal. 



lOS 



ROSALIND 

THOU piece of summer sky. 
Thou breath of wind 
That freshens with advancing day, 
Fair Rosahnd. 
How deep within thy lustrous soul doth lie 

The love of beauty; 
And dearer still to thy pure mind 

Is simple duty. 
Judgment thou hast of rarer cast than men, 
A courage ne'er to be outrun. What then 
Is there to add, sweet Rosalind? 



1 06 



L. C. 

SHE passes as the petal of a rose 
Blown sunward on an early morning breeze. 
She scatters on her passage the repose 
Which emanates from mind that is at ease. 

She beareth words of wisdom to the wise. 

The sorrowful regard her with content. 
She permitteth to the curious surmise, 

And none willingly she causes to lament. 



107 



H 



LAURA 

EAVEN'S blessings on thee fall, 
Laura fair, the crystal-eyed. 
May nought in life thy mind appall. 
Pure gold thy metal prove when tried. 



An emblem is that snowy brow 
Of purity thou dost bestow 

Upon the earth, nor carest thou 

For vain applause or puppet show. 

Though nature hath thine head adorned 
With shape and colors beautiful. 

The Angels have thy mind forewarned 
To keep thee strong and dutiful. 

We for thy future have no fears, 

Dear child, but dwell in confidence, 

That if those noble eyes shed tears 
'Twill seldom be from penitence. 



io8 



PART TWO 



PSYCHE SLEEPS 

IN vain for me the summer smiles, 
In vain the star-bedecked skies 
And moon that lustrous wends her way 
In queenly rivalry of day, 
Despite my melancholy cries. 
Despondent band that skyward files. 

Hail, mighty gods, whose kingdoms rage 
With mortal torment and sweet bliss; 
Whose joys of heart and flesh combined 
With grievous thorns are intertwined; 
Where hate is offspring of the kiss. 
While welcome grows youth's dreaded age. 

Your daughter shakes our little earth 
So heartily ye sport with man; 
We fall and crumble into dust, 
A handful of unsightly lust. 
Ah, who the magic wheel began, 
Who gave to men satanic birth? 

Thou, Venus, the surpassing fair, 
Thy vanity hath willed this sin; 
Who lightly shaped the halls of hell, 
Then smiling whispered, " All is well." 
By this sweet homage didst thou win. 
For where do men of lust repair? 
Ill 



Yea, thine the homage, thine the shrine 

And thine the market dark and vile. 

Where thy poor daughters' lives are sold 

Who pass to miseries untold 

Of base imprisonment and guile, 

To brew and drink their woeful wine. 

While men of virtue go their ways 
Indifferent to loathsome plague 
That reeks about their very feet, 
Whose odor blends with odors sweet. 
Arousing in their minds a vague 
And scarce unpleasant memory. 

Oh, Love; oh, Cupid, still a child. 
Wilt not arise and shake thy wings 
Of each small drop of mortal blood? 
See where below it rolls a flood 
From thy sharp wounds : ah, how it clings 
To thy fair form so long defiled ! 

Oh, Psyche, where is now thy power? 
Art thou for aye a slave to Love, 
Art fast asleep and dreaming still? 
Awake, arouse thy slumbering will. 
See where thy being hangs above. 
Hangs trembling like some lonely flower. 

For thou rare beauty had'st on earth; 

Yea, even Venus envied thee 

And in great anger sought thy fall. 

Whilst thou didst weave thine own death pall 

And stoopst to baneful misery 

By doubting thy fair lover's birth. 



112 



So, lacking faith, didst nearly lose 
Thy life; instead, thou art a slave. 
Love won thy pardon from grave Zeus, 
But by some dire law obstruse 
Thy freedom forfeit was. Thou, Grave, 
Art fair, though man thy face eschews. 

Wilt thou not liberty demand? 

For since thy birth is not of Zeus 

Thou may'st his bitter will defy. 

Thou can'st thy freedom seize and fly 

To Paradise, pure of abuse, 

And there with Love walk hand in hand. 



"3 



o 



ODE TO BEAUTY 

H, thou winged fairy Beauty, 
Messenger from spheres of Love, 

Compensator for dull Duty 
And for all the ills that rove. 



Wise magician, necromancer. 

Wielding bounties v^ith thy v^and; 

Muse of Art, and sweet romancer. 
Holding sorrow by the hand 

While the Truth of truths thou tellest, 
And the vile and dark thou quellest. 
Oft thou walkest with the sinning | 

Mercy's errand is thy claim, 
Giv'st betimes the pride of winning 

To some blackened deed of shame. 

Like the sun, just and impartial. 
Thou to man leav'st judgment martial; 
Thou art leveler of evil, 
Fair transformer of the Devil. 

We must love and we must worship 
Thee in every human courtship ; 
Pay thee tribute, fair creator 
Of our joys. Thou art testator 
Of all human gifts and graces. 
Loving hearts and lovely faces. 

Breath of June and summer roses 
And of all life's sweetest posies. 

Soul of nature, smile of Godhead, 

Casting halo o'er the dead. 

114 



A 



MID HALLS OF FANCY 

MID the Halls of Fancy once I roamed 

In search of her I love, and searched in vain. 
The lonely wind through empty chambers 
moaned. 
The skies in sadness gushed forth their rain. 



" Ah, Love," I cried, " where dost thou now repair ? 

Send forth one cry throughout thy vast domain. 
Send on the wind one lock of thy fair hair. 

That thee I find, and rid my heart of pain." 

The night advanced, the owl his vigil kept. 
Within the wood he made his gloomy call. 

The clouds had spun their pearly mists, and slept. 
Within a chill enchantment wrapped was all. 

Then, lo, at brink of dawn, the moon unveiled ; 

She cast aside her cloud-wrought mantle white; 
The wind arose, by her fair face regaled, 

And all was glad throughout the glistening night. 

"Ah, Fancy, why," I cried, " stayest thou so long? 

Thy lonely halls await thee, bathed in light. 
The owl has ceased his melancholy song 

And all awaits thy joyous homeward flight. 

Then to the East I turned, where, lo, sweet Dawn 
Smiled faint with sleep and her long journey home. 

Her hair hung moist, her face was pale and wan, 
From grief in distant lands where she did roam. 
lit; 



Now I beheld arising from a cloud, 

Her whom I sought, Fair Fancy, unsurpassed 

By Moon or Dawn for beauty. Dreamy-browed, 
By pearly mist bedecked, she stood, and fast 

Were bound her golden locks by Slumber sweet; 

But now full swiftly Dawn those locks unwound, 
And they embraced, and bid the moon retreat 

Into her palace pale. Thus then I found 

Fair Fancy who, with Dawn, upon me smiled, 
And bade me join them in their airy dome. 

There joyfully I dwelt, by them beguiled, 
Till, at dull noonday, Fancy led me home. 



US 



LUNA 

MID vortex of ethers, star printed, 
I whirl. 
I curl 
My fair limbs in harmonious swirl. 
To the tune of the zephyrs 
I furl 

And unfurl 
My glistening wings of sea coral and pearl. 

Voluptuous zephyrs, I unwilling inhale you. 
Ye unwelcome lovers, I gladly exhale you; 
As your life waneth low I do not bewail you 
But dole to the heavens my wonderous breath, 
Twofold respiration of love and sweet death. 
Full wearied of kisses that do not inflame. 
Slumber laden with Love, as a beast lieth tame 
In his sweet-scented lair, I ask not for fame. 
But gather the textures that weave in the sea 
And cover me gladly and sigh to be free. 
Amating great Zeus and untiring Mars 
That would me awaken, I gather the stars 
And pour them in shapely Hyperian jars. 
Then drink to sweet sleep and her luminous bars. 
So whirl in her train of ethereal cars. 



"7 



THE WOOD CALL" 

THERE'S a call in the woodland from hollow to 
hollow, 
Melodious murmur from briar to bough. 
There is fleet-footed message that seemeth to 
follow 
The sap in the maple, the vein on V y brow. 
There's a voice in each flower that riseth to wind- 
ward. 
There's a smile in each leaf budding forth to the 
sun. 
There is ripple of gladness that moves in the vineyard 
Where odorous grape vines their course have be- 
gun. 
Whence cometh the message and whitherward wend- 
ing? 
Let us listen and follow and gather its call, 
Invoking the gods that are hitherward bending 

To lend us their wisdom and let the word fall. 
Through the ether, translucent, diaphanous garments 

Now quiver above on melodious winds. 
The muses afloat in their tender allurements 

Are hovering low with sweet blossoms entwined. 
They gaze through the branches to cloudlet appearing 

That soareth on skies of deep violet blue; 
They laugh as they beckon with motion endearing 
And shout to the heavens, while light as the dew 
ii8 



The cloud is descending in measure by measure 

And hangs o'er the treetops, a huninous pearl. 
The muses arise and with cries of sweet pleasure 

Float high o'er the sunbeams in shimmerous whirl ; 
And now from the cloudlet unfolding as flower, 

Fair Cupid arises, knight-errant of joy, 
And smiling he calleth, " I come to empower 

The mind of the mortal 'gainst griefs that destroy." 

There's a call in the woodland from hollow to hollow, 

Melodious murmur from briar to bough. 
There is fleet-footed message that seemeth to follow 

The sap in the maple, the vein on thy brow. 
Then come, oh, beloved. I'll gather thee garlands 
Where brooklets run gladly, where shadows hang 
low. 
O'er the mountains and valleys, o'er the nearlands 
and farlands, 
We'll speed never sadly, we'll sing as we go 
To the tune of the woodland, who loves ? love ! we 

love. 
'Tis the word of the woodland, whose message we 
wove. 



119 



A PORTRAIT 

A BROW thou hast and cheek that speak of hill 
and meadow 
Sweeping t'ward the sea. 
In thy calm gaze shine quiet, steadfast skies. 
Thou breathest naught of this world's urgencies, 
But of the strength and will that deeper lies. 
From out Earth's breast thou'rt hewn, and her fair 

potencies 
Thou gatherest. Her decree is ever thy command. 
Yet through her veil thou lookest forth anon 
And pointest where in shadow her fair hand 
Leads ever on and on 
To mystery unsolved, boon unattained. 
And ever thou'rt resolved to follow her in constancy, 
With step restrained. 

As noble bluff, o'erlooking granite rock and quiet 

stream 
Are thy grave features and supporting chin, 
O'er which from thoughts within lights softly gleam 
And lend a gentle grace. 
And all of thee's a mountain fair and vast, 
Snowpeaked atop by Nature in mood chaste. 
A tender mountain, shepherding the plain. 
While happy hillocks flock about thy base. 



120 



THE QUEEN 

BENEATH a Willow's shade 
There lay a nymph, 
Who to her sister made a sweet lament — 
*' My heart is weary and I cease to love," 
To whom her sister her fair forehead bent 
And swift replied — 

" Go seek the Queen, she sits within the wood. 
Canst scent her incense on the moving air? 
She is beyond all nature passing fair. 
Go hasten thither 'ere thy heart doth sleep, 
In heavy magic slumber, drear and deep." 
" Within the v/ood thou sayest ? 
Guide me hence. E'en now 
I scent the dew-refreshed rose 
That to the morning air sweet joy bestows 
With tender kiss. 
Farewell, I'll onward go alone. 
Oh Life, oh youth, oh joy, return, and soon. 
I faint 'neath noonday heat. 
My heart seeks near retreat.'* 

Then 'neath the hanging boughs she slowly moved 
And murmured thus and many a wonder proved. 
" I feel a sweet elixir in my blood. 
The Queen," she said, " sits here within the wood ; 
Her incense 'tis I breathe. 
What do mine eyes behold? 
'Tis thou, fair youth, 
Whose brow sweet pleasures wreathe, 
And now a wonderous vision greets mine eye 
That fairer beauty holds than earth or sky; 

121 



Is this the Queen, this fairest phantom of sweet sum- 
mer air. 

That dims my sight and bids my feet beware? 

So sweet is now her breath 

I feign would sleep, 

Nor could my eyelids further vigil keep." 

So sank to sleep that nymph of weary heart 

Nor could her will her senses more employ 

But Youth the vigorous and keen raised her faint form 
above. 

And swiftly did impart 

Renewed life, while from the shadows straight emerged 
Love, 

Who swift embraced her till she woke to joy. 



122 



AN ENCHANTMENT 

THICKLY the moonlit mist covers the hill. 
My heart is ill; 
Within the magic walls 
The fairies dance. 
Away mischance; 
My love is caught and held for queen, 
I wean, I wean. 

(She calls.) 

Hither I come, my love, bearing my chain, 

Suffering pain; 
Oh, sever my chain of witched rose. 

Dispel its throes; 
It wearies my limbs, it charms my ear ; 

I fear, I fear. 

{He answers.) 

Tis enchanted sound of the fairy feet 

I greet, I greet ; 

Thy voice is near, but thee I cannot feel 

For ill or weal. 

Oh, joy! the mist is gone; 

The dawn appears 

To soothe my fears. 
But at my feet what lieth seer 

Like some sad bier? 
Thy chain of witched blossoms coiled alone ! 

I moan, I moan. 



123 



o 



A LOVE SONG 

{He sings.) 

H come and dwell with me a while, my love, 
my love, 
And hear the story of my heart, nor longer 
rove. 
Sweet music rings within my ladened breast, 
Which turns to pain unless thou give it rest. 

{She ansivers.) 

Call me not from my sweet wanderings, friend, my 
friend, 

My heart the birds and flowers seek, them I attend. 
Sing thy pent music to the listening air. 
Tell earth thy story, she is fair, most fair, 

{He sings.) 

All that I have, my love, is my sweet Mother's gift, 
She bids me give to thee, else must I lonely drift 
Like some poor blossom caught by running stream 
That of its tree and leaf must ever dream. 

{She ansivers.) 

Since 'tis thy Mother sends thee, friend, I needs must 

come; 
We shall together wander toward our home. 
Thou too shalt answer to the forest's call 
While blossoms fair still on my pathway fall. 
And yet I fear that we shall know more pain 
Amid sweet joys, when we're no longer twain. 

124 



TO A THUNDERSTORM 

BLAZE forth, dread Sky, thy trumpets from thy 
parapet high walled, 
That sombre fortress of black-featured Night, 
From whence are thrust those swords of steely 
white 
That dart keen terror into heart of tree. Appalled, 
The noble legions of the forest stand. 

While many a limb from their majestic band 
Is wrenched in fury by thy vassal Wind, 
From off its mighty trunk. And swift anon 
Some dart of steel is hurled in deadly blow. On, 

On, through the ferocious night, with mind 
Of demon, fly those arrows white, while groans 
The stricken oak, the long beloved, and moans 
The frightened wood dove from her nest. 

The mossy ground lies weak and spent with rain; 
The flowers bend in meek and patient pain, 
And all the forest cries, "When cometh rest?" 
In passion's mood is Earth's vast lover still. 
Hot thirst is his, which speedily to quench 
'Twould seem he would more sweetness from her 
wrench 
Than is her wish to give of her free will. 
At length, in pity for her children's cries. 

She yields her deep reserves of scent and sheen 
And like some gentle fierce-besieged queen. 
Gives up her rights with softly heaving sighs. 
Now straight 'twould seem, her lover had not frowned 
The stars and moon are burnished with fresh light. 
The quiet wind sweeps lightly o'er the ground, 
And breathes a message mild e'er he takes flight. 
125 



ODE TO THE SUN 

BENIGNANT lamp which burneth in our sky, 
Thou bringer of all health, for whom we sigh 
Through dreary days of cloud and dismal damp. 
Thou penetrator into murky swamp; 
Emblem of Love that's infinite and just; 
Disperser of disease and noisome hidden lust 
Of man or plant. We look to thee, and crave 
Thy warm and genial smile unto the grave. 
Like light of truth, we cannot long behold 
Thy dazzling face, 

But mark thy wonders in the joyous grace 
Of sparkling river or the gleaming main. 
Of glowing mountain or the dewy plain. 

All are enhanced in beauty by thy smile 
Thou purger of ill health and nature's guile. 



126 



TO THE SEA 

THOU mighty mirror of all human life 
With restless vigor pent, and eager strife, 
Yet holding in thy heart in keen contrast 
A calm like death, a grandeur pure and vast. 
Like voice beloved of ever-changing tone. 
Betimes in laughter and anon in moan, 
Thou speakest ever to the human mind 
In accents terrible or kind. 
Thou dealest joy or sweetest mirth betimes 

In rippling wave or sunlit ecstasy, 
And yet again thy hands are red with crime, 

Thy visage black with rage and cruelty. 
Anon in tender calm, thou smilest fair 
And cooest like wood dove in accents clear 
Which draw the feet of man to thy vast breast 
With promise of sweet opulence and rest. 
So is the nature of the human heart 
Forever changing in its daily part 
Of actor in mortality. 



127 



TO THE MOUNTAINS 

YE sentinels of time, that stand unmoved 
By war or tumult or by icy storm, 
Like stalwart hearts, your mission ye per- 
form 
And show to men and gods that ye have proved 
What strength lies hid in quietude. 

Great is your beauty, greater still your peace. 
Unlike to all ye ask for no release, 
No respite from your duty. Yours no crude 
Adherence to a habit formed, nor dumb 
Obeyance to a tyrant rude. 

But faithfully 
Ye with a strong content fulfill the sum 
Of Destiny. 



128 



TO THE PLAINS 

YE lowly, placid plains, how still ye He, 
Your gentle faces turned toward the sky 
In attitude quiescent that maintains 
A calm serenity despite the rains 
Which fall betimes, in sudden harsh descent. 
As tho' to test your patience they were sent; 
But ever like the faith, which asks not " Why,'* 
Ye turn your gentle faces to the sky. 



129 



ODE TO THE WIND 

THOU goodly tyrant Wind, 
Vast Ocean's Master, 
Like Samson, thou art blind. 
Yet bring'st disaster 
Upon the sons of men, 
On sundry seasons, when 
Thy spirit's restive. 

Like some ferocious beast 

Thou needs must live 
By frequent av^^ful feast. 
Yet when we love thee least 
The Spring thou bringest 

And softly dost thou coo 

And gently wingest 
When blossoms they are new. 

Thou breath of energy 
Divine and mortal. 

Spur to sweet Nature's cry 
Of her travail. 



130 



TO THE RAIN 

WHAT music is there to the ear more fair 
Than thine, sweet rain? 
Thou art as answer to the earnest prayer 
Of heart in pain. 
We share in Nature's thirst; like her partake 

Of thy refreshment. 
And like the drooping grass, our souls a;Kake 
To new enchantment. 



131 



THE PINE 

I STAND breast high amid the fretting green, 
Earth's restless sea of lovely shrubbery. 
I brand with gloomy finger the pale sky. 
I am removed from lovers and their spleen, 
Yet know I pity for all human teen. 
Erect, obstruse, a boon to sun-worn eye, 
I gather all the dark, and lullaby 
Mysterious I croon of that I ween. 
The wintry storms I brave, yet unto man 
My white flesh yieldeth willingly. The breath 
Of ages stirs my limbs. I sing of death 
And of that vaster life ere death began. 



132 



TO THE HUMAN HANDS 

YE silent messengers from worlds within 
That meekly work the will of human mind, 
How quietly and with what subtle grace 
Do ye portray the character; 
A dignity ye have, so be ye can 
And truthful message give from out the heart, 
A tenderness which many a secret tells of gentle 
Nature under manly breast 
Or hidden strength of child 
Or woman, thou wouldst manifest; 
With eloquence ye plead for sinning act 
Or dreadful judgment hold against man's speech 

That innocence would prove, 
For ye would teach 
Man's forms' his soul's barometer. 



133 



IMPRESSIONS 

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO 

OH, the luscious curl of the wave on the long spark- 
ling beach, the whisper of the waters, the descent of the 
blue ether, the sweet forgetfulness of pain. The gar- 
den glows around me, the red cardinal alights on the 
frond of a palm tree, the swordfish flashes an instant 
in the sunlight, all is joy and vitality. Behind lie 
parched grass and meagre forest, but before me lies 
the bloom of the world. 

IN THE WESTERN STATES 

YE mighty western mountains. Ye monstrous facts 
of life forever proclaiming naked truth, gigantic 
prophecy. The little-hearted flee your presence; only 
the august approach you unfearful, reading in your 
features universal destiny. 

ON THE BANKS OF THE HUDSON 

AUSTERE, romantic land, whose fertile growth be- 
speaks abundance of life's mystery. Poetry thou hasc 
and dignity in full ; the dignity of a past that calls forth 
pride of ancestry. Beauty thou hast of nobly nur- 
tured dame clothed in the robes of luxury. 

Thy mystery is sweet and spreads below, beyond 
our mortal round, checking the ardor of our mirth 
and pointing to the dead who wait for us. 

THE NORTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND 

THOU smiling, dreamy land that breathes of noon, 
whose trailing feet linger long in marsh and wood- 
land, in pleasant maze of shade and sunnery, as though 
loath to move onward. With face averted to the past 
and future thou hold'st the present in a willing bond- 
age. 

134 



TO THE FOREIGNER'S ITALY 

FAIR Italy, thou mistress of mankind, 
That holds a subtle sway upon our blood, 

Who feeds our senses with a hand so kind 
That we forget to yearn for stronger food. 
Soft falling in resplendent silken coils. 
Thine hair enchains us to thy snowy feet. 
Thy smile, the eye, from sterner object foils, 
Thy violet breath's intoxicant too sweet. 
How may we tear our charmed senses hence? 
How cease to dote upon thy sweet caress? 
And how recover scarce-remembered sense 
Of Northern home, or hope for strong redress 
Of ebbing strength wherewith to sound anew 
Ambition's stirring strains toward effort true? 



135 



LUISENHOHE 

UISENHOHE, thou gentle land 
With kindly visage, open hand. 
With ample breast and stature grand, 
Thou speak'st of home and constancy. 

Thou smilest on the simple folk 
That dwell within thy garments' fold, 
Who work and pray and ne'er provoke 
The gods of town adversity. 

The little church stands kindly by 
With quickened ear for every cry, 
With quiet aspect as 'twere shy 
To press its hospitality. 

Each humble cottage nestling close 
To thy fair form in happy wise, 
Blends with thy beauty and repose 

And breathes its smoke right drowsily. 

The cattle work, the tall rye sways. 
The women cock the hay, the days 
Are full of wholesome toil and praise. 

Yea, may we bear thy lesson home 
To newer land and quicker ways; 

Teach us to lose the wish to roam. 
To dwell at ease contentedly. 



136 



TO THE LAST OF MAGELLAN'S FLEET 



T 



HOU noble, sad Victoria, bearer of thy sister's 
hearts. 
From distant parts. 
On flight, as of a bird across the earth. 
Who gavest birth 
To the great fact that earth is round. 

Say not of them that fell behind : " They failed." 
Their end her Glory wove, who sailed 
Into home harbor. Thus forever's bound 
All effort brave. 
From hero's grave 
In one fair unity. 



137 



TO ABRAHAM AND TO LINCOLN 

WISE Abraham, thou emblem of vast fatherhood, 
In calm and deep serenity who stood 
Upon the Canaan plain, and viewed 
Thy vast possessions. Endued 
Thou wast with wisdom and with years. 
In mighty freedom lived, unknown to fears. 
Justice thou dealtst, and patient was thy mind; 
And bravely did'st thou leave thy home behind 
And seek at heaven's call another land, 
Nor wherefore asked, nor strove to understand; 
For heart of child thou had'st. According to 

Thy creed, tho' thou lovest well. 
Thou offeredst thy heart's delight, that thou mightst 

tell 
Thy gratitude. Sincerity was thine ; a love of truth 
Lay in that noble breast, with dauntless youth 
Of fervour and keen strength. 
How has our manhood fallen! At what length 
From such a compass does it stand ! 
And yet there springs betimes a brand 
From out Life's furnace, that can match thee, Abra- 
ham. 
Such was our Lincoln, bearer of thy name. 
He lived in time of pain, great loneliness 
Was his, for there was none but he 
To see the seer's vision. His wish, as thine, 
Was but to be the faithful instrument of Will Divine. 
And all his energies, he did combine 
To that one end. 
Thus did he bend. 

138 



w 



LATE MARCH 

ITH winged breath ascending 
Elusive, ample flight 

The heart of earth exaleth 
Her love of th' Infinite. 



The Atmosphere's expanding 

To very myth of air, 
The heart of earth assaileth 

High Heaven's barrier. 

The mortal lovers follow 

With infant feet that fail; 
They stumble, fall and rally 

In faint, uncertain trail. 

The Mother's heart beats through them, 

Her pulses drive apace; 
Breathing breath of her nostril 

Marking her wondrous grace, 

Swift is their hearts' contagion. 

Sure as the flower's growth. 
Burst of bud in the orchard, 

Flight of bird from the South. 

All obstacles, with eye of Fate 
Nor left his task until the hour was late. 
And victory lay spread upon the land 
To which he long had pointed with calm hand. 
139 



THE SMILE 

THE smile is here; that twinkle in the eyes 
Of Nature. A ripple of sweet mirth is heard 
From opening leaf on every tree. Earth joins 
With air in song of merriment. Her 
Children carry on the cry, each in his voice, 
The bird, the insect and humanity. 
For Love is on the wing. 



140 



ODE TO THE HYPATICA 



W 



ELCOME, Brave Hypatica, 
Raise thy stalwart head. 

Facing winds of April 
From thy tiny bed. 



Peeping from dead oak leaves, 

Smiling to the sky, 
JWelcome, brave Hypatica, 

Naked branches cry. 

We must wait and shiver 
E'er our buds are green, 

Thou Spring's rosy Herald 
Stand'st where Winter's been. 

With a simple greeting 

To the forest bare, 
"Welcome, sweet Hypatica," 

Laughs the dancing air. 

Firstborn of gay April, 

Hardy, cheerful, rare. 
Tame thy Mother's spirit. 

Bid her have a care. 

How thy bloom she threatens 

With her windy kiss. 
Warn her, lest she shatter 

Spring's first edifice. 
141 



A 



FOLLOW 

PPLE blossoms falling. 
Honey laden bough. 
Thrush and robin calling 
Sound of turning plough. 



Dew drops on the meadow, 
Lark against the sky, 

Web of sun and shadow 
Where the wood ferns lie. 

Glint of periwinkle 

'Gainst its sombre screen 
Like blue eyes atwinkle 

Mid the verdant green. 

Come and follow, follow. 

Hasten with the spring. 
Into copse and hollow 

Follow on the wing. 



14:2 



ODE TO THE CUCKOO 

THOU fair cuckoo, of rich and limpid note, 
To-day I heard thee first thy summons call 
To mystery. Ne'er in my life didst fall 
E'er this upon my ear from thy sweet throat 
That wondrous solemn voice, that seems to gloat 
On silence 'twixt each utterance. Enthrall 
Thou me again in dreams ; whate'er befall, 
'Twill seem of thy foreboding. Let me float 
With thee on airy wastes. Sound yet again 
Thy measured tolling from the shores unknown 
Whereon thy Spirit stands, 'twould seem, alone. 
Command and warning are in thy refrain 
Combined in solemn unison. Enchain 

My heart again. Again thy chant intone. 



^3 



A 



THE WHISPER 



WHISPER from the forest 
Endearing 



Is nearing, 

Sounds of babbling brook and moving fern. 
Balmy breezes heavy laden 

Endearing 

Are nearing. 
Scent of bruised roses crushed in urn. 
Columbine that joyful climber, 
Fair laburnimi, luscious lily, 
Violet, arbutus, and the wood anemony 

All are winging 

All are singing 

Alluring, 

Abjuring, 
The leaden ways of winter 
For the laughing days of spring. 



144 



TO THE APPLE BLOSSOM 

FAIR and radiant art thou, 
Blossom of the Apple Tree, 
Shedding scent and beauty free 
As the hand of infancy. 
Casting petals from thy bough, 
Knowing for thy fruit no fear, 
Autumn is not yet so near 
That thou needest have a care 
Lest his bounty be but spare. 



145 



TO THE BUTTERCUP AND DANDELION 

BUTTERCUPS of airy mien 
Waving with the wind serene, 
Golden drops of warm delight 
Burnishing the human sight. 
Dandelions meek and strong 
That with garden fruits belong 
To the friends of hungered man. 
Gladly helping where ye can. 
Both are yellow, both are bright. 
Neither can we dare to slight. 
So with men is beauty seen, 
Mid the wealthy and the mean. 



14S 



TO SOME WILD FLOWERS 

LONELY amid tremor o£ sweet-smelling boughs, 
Holy as a saintly maiden breathing vows, 
Unheard by aught besides the stirring air 
That lifts anon her flowing wavy hair, 
The wood anemone exhales its beauty rare. 

Humbly beneath pressure of dead withered leaves. 
Lovely as the glow of gentle summer eves 
Or maiden's blushes that the lover greet 
Appearing as they pass in spirit meet. 
For love, dwells the arbutus sweet. 

Merry as a sparkling glint of April sky, 
Cheery as the infant smiles that fate defy, 

Which turn our saddened moods to youth again 
As springs the withered grass 'neath fall of rain. 
The periwinkle holds its joyous reign. 

Ye spring, ye flowers, as a fount of tears. 
Ye wing as hours that fulfill the years. 
Ye bring us bowers to beguile our fears. 



147 



ODE TO THE WOODS IN SPRING 

DEAR wood, what passion of sweet spring dost 
thou outpour 
To ear and eye, the senses and the soul. 
With winter at thy back, thou stand'st as fair 
As joy that follows ill. The very air 
With sweets thy treasures store. 
It throbs aloud in harmony. 

The birds, the trees, the lowly flowers blend 
In joyous beauty. Swift they thee attend 
And crowd their charms in jealous love of thee. 



148 



ODE TO THE DOGWOOD 

OH ! the flash of the dogwood amid the green 
boughs. 
Like foam from the spray of a wave. 
Oh, the thrill at the heart from the light it bestows 
On the neighboring branches, that crave 
For more intimate touch, as they press their young 
leaves 
Above, and below, and beside 
The straight lances white 
That challenge the light 
Of the dazzling sun at noontide. 
As the arm of a saint, v/ho hopes and believes 
With unerring and terrible truth ; 
Which points to a crime 
And bids halt, while there's time 
The wavering mind of youth. 
As fork of white lightning- 'gainst a black sky 

That flies to its mark in the night. 
Like the hand of strong lover, whose soul is a cry 

Which reaches and grasps his heart's right. 
Like the answering call of the maid, swift and sure 

As she turns to her lover with flight 
Of a dove to its mate, transcendingly pure, 

In an ardent and simple delight. 
We praise thee, we love thee, thou flash of fair dream, 

White cloud on an azure sky, 
Child of the heavens and earth we deem. 
Let the woodlands echo our cry. 
149 



I 



HERE IS THE SPRING 

N woods of many coloured green I drove 
'Neath Elm and Maple, through fair Willow 
Grove, 
While ever did the birds above me sing, 
" Here is the Spring." 



The crow with sombre wing did fan aloft 
The balmy air with motion grave and soft, 

The blackbird carolled its sweet varied note 

And seemed to float. 
Upon its joyous song, and still did sing: — 
*' Here is the Spring." 

The tiny leaves their happy green '*d fling 
Upon my sight; the cherry blossoms bring 

Their snowy petals 'gainst the azure sky 

As tho' to cry: 

" Behold our beauty, all ye passers-by." 

The tender spreading trees their branches waved 
With loving gestures o'er my head, and craved, 

It seemed, some greeting from a human heart. 

Ere we should part. 

Their blessings shed upon my gladdened mind. 
And dropped caress that mingled with the wind. 

While all the wood in symphony did sing: — 

"Here is the Spring." 
150 



A MAY DAWN 

SOFTLY the chorus of sweet-throated birds 
strokes the enchanted air. 
Swiftly the rabbit leaves his nightly lair, 
And follows wonted haunts in search of food. 
Cold blow the breezes over sward and lea, 
Sweet is their message from the gleaming sea. 
Wide spreads the sky as silken violet hood 
Cast back from maiden's brow that guards her mood 
From over-jealous sun or tempest rude. 
Wilt rise, my soul, and seek this sprightly Heaven? 
Wilt mount the gentle stair of springing pleasure, drop- 
ping care by care. 
Till naught but beauty is the hour's feast, 
And thou atop the world dost lie in dream of azure 

nothingness, 
While softly teem earth's humming voices, cradling 
thy rest ? 



151 



MIRANDA 

SHE walks 'neath yellow shower 
Of fair laburnum bower. 
Her golden locks hang curling 
Like timid petals furling. 

The brook runs by atwinkle, 
With silver water wrinkle, 

The sunbeams chase and follow 

Adown the rocky hollow. 

They catch and kiss Miranda 
As she doth blithely wander, 
And many sparkles squander 
Where she doth slow meander. 

Now yellow branches parting, 
As fawn at hunter starting, 
Miranda halts, and calling, 
Who comes? Mid blossoms falling. 

She turns and flies for shelter 

Her lovely locks askelter, 

Her timid eyes glance downward 
As she doth hasten onward. 

Why flies she thus Miranda? 
Who doth her pleasure hinder? 

Achase for waterfowl 

A youth these woods doth prowl. 
152 



The mossy turf soft treading 
For rippling brook was heading. 
When on a sudden turning 
With brow and cheek aburning, 

He meets the fair Miranda 

And gazes full upon her. 

Now sweeter chase pursuing, 
With ne'er a thought of ruing, 

He speedeth swiftly after 
With merry shout and laughter. 

Miranda flying fearful 

With trembling eyelids tearful. 

Seeks hiding 'neath the shadow 
Of lowly drooping willow. 

Where mossy bank is shelving 
Her foot in brooklet delving 

She slips on hidden pebble. 
Then mounts her cry in treble 

Notes of maiden terror; 

Too late she sees her error. 

Her cry the youth now guiding, 
He finds her woeful hiding. 
Her form he swiftly raises 
And on her beauty gazes. 

With fervid lover's phrases 
He now that beauty praises. 
Miranda's heart amazes 
With thoughts of love. 

The sunbeams late declining. 
Their youthful forms enshrining, 
With loving arms entwining 
They onward rove. 
153 



I WALKED AT DUSK 

I WALKED at dusk through woods, alone with 
Beauty, 
And here and there a meadow passed, which 
Made its evening call unto the sky. 
All was sweet silence — Suddenly, 
There fell upon the air a sound entrancing 
It and earth in melody. A call it seemed, 
To Night, a night oi stars; a call 
From earth to heaven. Ah, silence. 
What a fair foundation art thou for the joys of ear ! 

Twas thou, grave bird, whose name 

Is but a repetition of thy speech, cuckoo, 

But told by man in accents meagre, 

Lacking all thy mystery, who like a lover, 

Clasped that silence as in ecstasy. 

And thus sounds Love unto some lonely heart 

That long has empty been. 



154 



T 



THY FACE 

HY face is like a dusky vale. 

That unencumbered lies by upland gale. 
Whose strength's as shadow on grey stone ; 
Whose smile's a moonbeam, 
Lustrous and alone. 



155 



THE VOICE OF HER 

THAN wine that fills the glowing bowl. 
Redder far is the wine of soul. 
Than flame aleap in woodland dry, 
Hotter far is the tiger's eye. 
Than sound of summer breeze astir. 
Sweeter far is the voice of her. 



iS6 



A THOUGHT. 

ABOVE the sounding waters 
Sweet is the throb of stars. 
Within the heart of harpist 
Breathe fairer harmonies. 
Unsolved lie Life's secrets 

For them who quaff in sips. 
Eternity's encircled 

By touch of Lover's lips. 



.157 



SWEET LOVE 

SWEET Love, why goest thou astray? 
Behold the buds that strew thy way, 
Torn from their roots and fading ere the day 
Hath well advanced ! Thou dost betray 
Full many a joyous heart with thy swift-winning art, 
And oft the villain's part 
Doth blithely play, 
As though 'twere meet and true 
And gav'st no cause to rue. 
Ah, sorry is our plight 
When thou fli'st not aright! 
Art thou from Heaven sent. 
Or wast thou only lent 
The day to sport awhile at thy glad leisure? 
Then must there come a time 
When all man's mournful rhyme 
Shall catch and bind thy crime 
And pay full measure. 



15S 



THE MAID OF THE SNOWS 



O 



UT of the earth arising 

Walks the Maid of the Snows, 
The wint'ry morn surprising 

Wide her white vesture flows. 



Over the hills and meadows, 
Over the vales and streams 

Smiling she meets the shadows, 
Swiftly she mounts sunbeams. 

Her breath's the crystal hoar frost 
Blinding the cottage pane. 

Her flowing locks, high wind tossed, 
Whiten the forest's main. 

Her pulse within the snowdrift 
Beats to the pulse of sky. 

Her feet in sunken windrift 
Fall as a maiden's sigh. 

The midday sun assaileth 

Her icy ramparts sure. 
Her blush at eve regaleth 

Her glowing Paramour. 

Her voice is heard in the stillness. 
Her smile is seen in the dark; 

To dullard drear and lifeless 
Barren her form and stark. 
159 



[But to heart of the hunter, 
Fair she is held above 

Mortal maid to her lover, 
Her smile to him is Love. 



i6o 



THE RIVER OF YOUTH 

I SAW a river flowing to the sea. 
Full swift it was, and turbulent, and free. 
It heeded not the rocks that checked its flight 
But ever swiftly sped in keen delight 
With sparkling sunbeam for companion bright, 
Or gloomy cloud or black or cheerless night. 
It bore them all upon its heart of steel. 
It flowed alike to sorrow or to weal. 
Within its heart there seemed to glow a gleam 
Of dauntless passion to acquire fame; 
So be it but attained its distant aim 
It asked not how or where it met the same 
Till as it sped, it found within the sea, 
Sweet freedom from itself, calm liberty. 



i6i 



THE ANGELS, DEATH AND SLEEP 

DOWN the mountain side, they passed in meas- 
ured flight. 
The hour was dusk, fast falling into night. 
The one a lily held in her right hand, 
Of purest white. 
The other bore a flower of delight, 
Which softly folded its fair petals tight 
Until in close repose they vanished quite. 
The first was clothed in garment radiant. 

And gleamed as moonbeam 'gainst the mountain side : 
Her sister in pale violet was clad, the eventide 
With her sweet form did blend, and from the Orient 
Deep shadow on her fell, as she did glide 
Full gently through the scented evening air, 
While on the breeze was wafted her fair hair. 
Thus on they came toward the valley dark 
In soft descent, as some too heavy spark 
Which cannot bear its weight into the sky. 
But drops to earth, as gently falling sigh. 
And whither now did their swift footsteps wend? 
No longer measured was their winged flight; 
But fast they vanished from my eager sight. 



162 



THE SOUL OF THE WINGED VICTORY 

AS well-directed wind, I cleave vast space, 
I float on chance, on life and foolish ills. 
With strong intention Nothingness I race 
And match my poise 'gainst myriad of wills — 
Of lesser wills that for the moment urge 

Their weakling strength against my form supreme. 
But unto such my voice sounds endless dirge, 

They harm me not but melt as dream in dream. 
I am God's poise; toward Heaven's my direction. 
For speed I care not, nor for man's inspection. 
Yet who so seeks shall in me find content, 
And life to live again when Death is spent. 



163 



ODE TO OLD AGE. 

REVERED Old Age, thou Winter of our being, 
Full dear art thou to youthful hearts of worth, 
Which long with ardent will on this poor earth 
To hold thee yet against thy better seeing; 
Whilst thou art well content with God's Decreeing, 
Thou knowest naught of barren winter dearth, 
But wait'st in grandeur pure, for that new birth, 
Which thy well-wearied frame will soon be freeing. 
And waiting thou art wise and rich in love, 
Thou dealest peace and strength to youthful need, 
With calm, thou pointest to the light above, 
And bid'st the young go forth to sow their seed 
Nor fear for aught, nor from the good recede. 
But loyal be to honor and their creed. 



164 



OH, THE SWEET CARESSING 



O 



H, the sweet caressing 
Of the verdant verdure pressing 
Its cool and scented blessing 
Upon my laden heart. 



Oh, the dim responding 
Of the senses deep desponding 
To the blithe and tender fondling 
Of the breeze upon my brow. 

With quiet touch dispelling, 
With vital languor quelling 
The innermost indwelling 
Of spirit rent apart, 

Where lurks the unforgotten, 
Where waits the unbegotten. 
That shall renew the rotten. 
Turn God's future into now. 



i6S 



THE CALL 

He calls and we listen. All are alike then, the sin- 
ner and saint, the old and young, rich and poor, sick 
and whole. 

He calls and we listen and answer. With one 
bound the heart breaks its bonds, the wings of the soul 
take flight, beating the bars of heaven. 



i66 



LONELINESS 

LONELINESS, thou word of sternest meaning, 
'Tis not thine outer garb repels man most; 
Oft he who breathes in quiet dwells with 
friends. 
But 'tis thine heart, thy very core, men dread, 
When as a loosened garment God falls from off the 

soul and leaves us bare. 
Who then can warm us, who can shelter then? 



167 



I 



' HE SHALL CAUSE THEM TO LIE DOWN '* 

N time of tumult when the stress is high, 
In hour of doubt, and barrenness of soul, 
When all within, without us, crieth, "Why?" 
When for one sight of God we'd pay blood toll, 
Lie down. 



When we in foolishness do naked lie 
Without a garment to protect our shame, 

Though friend and custom do the truth belie 
And strive to soften and impair the blame, 
Lie down. 

Or when we love and ache for very joy, 

When there's no respite to a throbbing bliss, 

When soul doth challenge soul death to destroy 
And blend the seething unknown worlds in this. 

Lie down, so cometh peace and well; 

The heart recedes as gladly ebbing tide 
Which tires of the heaving and the swell, 

Blessing the breast of Earth that spreadeth wide. 



i68 



T 



THEY MARCH 

HEY march, the stars are gleaming, 
The night is free of frown; 

Earth's parapets are streaming 
With banners of renown. 



The multitudes are thronging, 

Above the uproar, loud 
Is heard the trumpet of our God, 

The call unto the proud. 

The call unto the pride of race. 

Of gallantry and skill 
In art or love, of lordly face 

The bender of ill will. 

The pride of high invention, 
Of knowledge deep and sure, 

And of that fair creative soul, 
The poet vast and pure. 

With lifted brow and banner high 

They smile into the night. 
They hearken to their battle cry, 

" Come forth and serve the right.'* 

Daily their ranks are sifted, 

Daily they fall and die. 
Scarce heeding each his brother's flight. 

They march to victory. 



169 



POTENTIA 

A TRUMPET call is heard to-day 
From sea to sea, from land to land; 
May we be quickened to obey, 
Lift up the heart, stretch forth the hand. 
What message brings this mighty call? 

Proclaim the thought in deed and word. 
"Arise and work for good of all, 

Make potency for right your sword." 
This is the word our trumpet peals 

In many ways to many men; 
To all Potentia reveals 
A hymn of praise, 
A vast Amen. 



170 



TO NEW YORK 
Written for the election of November, 1909. 

NEW YORK, thou mainspring of our land. 
Thou ruler of the tide 
Of western commerce, 
By whose hand the gates of trade stand wide. 
Thou town of giant industry. 

Of deft and mighty schemes, 
That draws a foreign inquiry 

In ever-widening streams. 
What ails thine aspect, why forlorn 

Hangs low thy garment's hem 
In soiled mean and sadly worn 

For Nations to condemn? 
With hurried feet, averted face. 

Unseemly strident voice, 
Thou strivest to cover some disgrace. 

Thou chafest at some choice ; 
What power holds thee in its thrall 

And leads thee here and there. 
Causing thy better self to fall 

Beneath its weight ? Beware ! 
Beware of systems powerful 

That drag thine honor low. 
Of Tammany the direful. 

With ugly, vicious brow. 
Who courts thee with free affluence 

And deems his fate secure. 
Wreck thou his hope of opulence. 

Erect a standard pure. 
So shalt thou ride the century 

On speed of mighty fame. 
So shalt thou see prosperity 

And win a noble name. 

171 



TO HUMAN LOVE 

HAIL thou Mighty Seraphim 
Riding on thy cloud of fire, 
Touching with thine awful ire 
All that liveth dimly 
Burner of foul thought and deed; 
Healer of all aching need; 
Purger of the aimless weed. 
Aid us, and that speedily. 
We would learn to ply thine art; 
Learn to govern wayward heart; 
Guide our passions by thy chart 
To the home of Deity. 



173 



THE WORD 

FROM out the vibrant dark, the unexpressed, 
Come forth, thou Word of the all-potent Good, 
Creator of all worlds, the mighty food 
Of them that crawl upon the face of earth. 
Arise and walk amid the open truth; 
No longer lurk like furled wing of wind 
In sleeping realms, but dominate all mind. 

Then shall the wine press give its healing yield; 

Then shall God's fire loosened be from Hell; 
The promise falls, the Trinity's revealed. 

And all is well. 



173 



MANNA 

AS smile that fadeth from belove'd face 
The day has gone; the brow of Heaven's 

grave. 
Alone, in sobered mien, the soul stands brave. 
The ardours of the heart, whose buoyant grace. 
With glories of the sun did interlace. 
Subdued, are content a path to pave 
For lofty swell of Heaven bearing wave. 
Advancing t'ward the soul at solemn pace. 
Now to and fro, through mystic realms of night 
By potent magnet drawn, such waves recede, 
But to advance again, obeying need 
Of hungering soul compelling in its might 
High Heaven's Ocean t'ward the shores finite; 
For which immortal right the Christ did bleed. 



174 



A SEQUENCE 



INTRODUCTORY POEMi 

SEND forth the word upon its winged flight. 
Announce in accents clear the soul's high vision. 
Each syllable strikes deep within the region 
Where mystic power buds beneath the night. 
Too pure its fair proportions for the light. 
'Neath weight of human misadventure, legion 
Of force seraphic spreads its sweet cohesion 
And draws the ultimate within our eager sight. 
The oft-repeated utterance brings form 
Of what we seek. High-voiced words transform 
The sullied matter of objective mind, 
Until its needs with spirit must conform 
And human nature falls a pace behind. 

^ The following thirteen poems were written from the orig- 
inal lessons of Mrs. Emma Hopkins. Her teaching is founded 
upon the thirteen stones of the Revelations, after which these 
poems are named. 



lyS 



FIRST LESSON 

THE JASPER (Diamond) 
Obedience — Repentance 

RETURN unto the Hills and fix thy gaze 
Upon their loftiest peak of holiness — 
The Great "I Am ! " There rest in quiet- 
ness 
And draw the kernel from the brightest rays 
Of white-eyed Truth, until in sudden blaze 
Of beauteous light thine ailments crumble. Press 
Thine ardor still, nor faint beneath the stress 
Of burning heat although thy flesh betrays. 
So shall the shadows of thy soul retreat 
Till memory is /,;trained to compass them. 
Thus shall theSvord of ancient days, " Condemn," 
Be changed to " Bless " upon the Judgment Seat. 



177 



SECOND LESSON 

THE SAPPHIRE 

Heavenly Purity, Remission 

SO shalt thou see how Earth dissolved lies 
Beneath the mighty sway of Heaven's counte- 
nance. 
All bonds that bind the soul are loosened. 
Chance, 
The dread magician, swiftly dies, 
Nor breathes there man that more on him relies. 
There is no further need of sad remonstrance; 
Sin holds no more the limpid soul in trance 
Of heavy sorrow, but, lo, she descries 
Her kingdom rising spotless from the seas. 
The new Jerusalem, beloved of saints. 
That knows no hunger in her streets, restraints 
Of joy nor love, but revels in a lease 
Of endless freedom, purity and peace. 
Then sound her trumpet! Herald her decrees! 



178 



THIRD LESSON 

THE CHALCEDONY 

Forgiveness Through Meekness 

D'OWN to the very essence of thy soul 
With humbleness of heart do thou descend 
To regions drear and dark, and there attend 
To what thy God would speak. Give Him thy 
whole 
Obeisance; barken not to dismal toll 
Of selfish needs, that calls you to befriend 
Their sorry plight, for danger doth portend 
Their very being. Let Heaven be thy sole 
Demand. Thy craving dominant the grace 
Which will thy soiled human nature lave 
And from thyself, thine enemy will save. 
Then raise believing eyes, 
And lo ! God's face. 



179 



FOURTH LESSON 

THE EMERALD 
Faith, Confidence to Command 

WITH giant strength renewed, now stand up- 
right 
And plead thy cause with High Infinity. 
Demand a hearing with impunity 
Nor leave thy case unanswered. Thy birthright 
Still lies intact, but thou must wrestle, fight 
With Heaven's guardsman; 'gainst indignity 
They hold strong fortress. God's benignity 
Is hidden for a space ; as in the night 
To rest accustomed eyes from kindly sun 
The darkness falls. Press thy keen vision on; 
So shalt thou win the prize and gain anon, 
Thy meet reward. Thus Angels are outrun ! 



i8o 



FIFTH LESSON 

THE SARDONYX 

Works, Achievement — Through Recognition of 
THE Divine Self 

HERE may we viev^r the Master's work unveiled. 
And in its light behold the mystery 
Of pHant Godhead, Humble Deity. 
Alone he trod the wine press, that impaled 
Might lie Earth's cursing law, so long bewailed. 
Christ's service, bearing mighty potency, 
Has wrought wondrous miracle. God's mercy 
Freely flowing, Humanity's regaled 
With saving drink of high triumphant love, 
Poured forth from human veins in strength divine. 
Now may we rest, and with the Angels shine. 
And know that we our Maker's love can prove. 



i8i 



SIXTH LESSON 

THE SARDIUS 
Shining, Spiritual Understanding 

NOW call that God may answer, using name 
Prescribed for use of man in time of need, 
E'en Jesus Christ, creator of the creed 
Whereby all are forgiven. Through the same. 
The promise reads, dread Satan waxeth tame. 
The ancient name " I am " forbore the breed 
Of human offspring that should hold the seed 
Of high Divinity through v^^hich Christ came. 
To him who'd Heaven gain through violence 
New power through the oft-repeated cry 
Of "Jesus Christ" descends. An occult sense 
Called wisdom, breathed from High Omnipotence, 
That doth third aspect of our God supply. 



182 



SEVENTH LESSON 

THE CHRYSOLITE 

Recognition of the Divine in Man and Its 
Descriptions 

THEN lift again thine eyes unto tlie Hills 
And use the rod of faith t'ward them ye love. 
Behold them in sweet harmony above, 
Atune w^ith the vast universe that fills 
Them with a glad completion and fulfills 
Their destiny, as mantle which is wove 
Throughout in equal beauty. Swiftly hove 
Their shining spirits close 'gainst sin that kills. 
And utter the sweet message of thy vision. 
Announce to each his separate beauty. Tell 
How mighty Satan from high Heaven fell 
And ever more is held in strong derision. 



183 



EIGHTH LESSON 

THE BERYL 

The Listening Ear and the Writing Pen Through 
Circumcision of the Senses 

ATTUNE thine ear to Heavenly harmonies. 
Demand direction of the Spirit's will, 
For him thou guidest to the waters. Fill 
Thy soul with holy breath and rarities 
Divine of wisdom and her mysteries. 
List to his Angel's gentle speech until 
Thine every sentient fibre is athrill 
With potent message from its histories. 
Thus wisely shalt thou guide him on his way 
And speak the hidden message to his soul 
That will his outer man ere long control 
Till he o'er self and ills holds mighty sway. 



184 



NINTH LESSON 

THE TOPAZ 

The Joy of the Lord — The Merry Heart Healing 
Through Forgiveness and the Use of Some Text 

THEN gently spread thy spirit hands abroad 
And draw with holy words man's angel form 
Till it at length sweet miracle perform 
And flesh and soul combine in fair accord. 
So shall his lyre of gladness be restored 
That was unstrung by harsh ill-tuned storm 
Of selfish passions which the heart deform, 
And sweet forgiveness on the mind is poured. 
Yea, note that all empowered word, " Forgive," 
Whose sense here lies unveiled, — Give-for ; supply 
Our dire lack. Return the suppliant cry 
Of sinking man with answer, " Thou shalt live ! " 



185 



TENTH LESSON 

THE CHRYSOPRASUS 

The Manifestation of a New Character Through 
Firmness and Integrity of Heart 

SO dost thou reach high altitude, yet urge 
Thy powers on. Sound and resound thy song 
'Gainst vanities of earth, 'gainst death and 
wrong, 
Thy clear voice tuning to eternal dirge 
Of all that breathes of time. As ocean's surge 
Turn and return to shore, though winds be strong. 
So shall the powers which to God belong 
Descend upon thine heart and swiftly purge 
Thine inmost being of its childish fears. 
Then to thy God-self utter strong command 
And for thy neighbor benefit demand, 
And freely speak the wisdom of the Seers. 



i86 



ELEVENTH LESSON 

THE JACINTH (Ruby) 
Judgment and Beauty 

AT length day breaks upon thy gladdened sight 
And thou attain'st the summit of thy soul, 
The New Jerusalem. And in the goal 
Of holy rest thou emanatest light 
Transfiguring. Imbued with wondrous might 
Thou seest far where distant planets roll. 
Thou know'st the meaning of each human dole, 
And thus with wisdom meet canst judge aright. 
With gaze turned in toward thyself, complete 
Thou feedest on thy Source, and dost commune 
With thy soul's Centre, from whence thou hast hewn 
With pick axe rude, the Godhead's Judgment Seat. 



187 



TWELFTH LESSON 

THE AMETHYST 
Poise Through Divine Indifference — Happiness 

NOW peace of benediction falleth low, 
And poise of Heaven hath thy soul attained. 
Now sweetly has the voice of earth regained 
Its lucid note, and Heaven doth bestow 
The joys of life which from her portals flow 
Upon thy senses so long time bestained 
With taint of human self. Now unrestrained 
The magic of thy cleansed mind doth grow 
And deal sweet mystic truths unto mankind. 
While eager babes will feed upon thy smile, 
And thou with Angel tales shalt them beguile. 
And lo, the while. Love ceases to be blind! 



i88 



THIRTEENTH LESSON 

THE PEARL 

Divine Chemistry in Human Life — The Trans- 
mutation OF ALL Pain and Weakness Into Joy 
AND Strength Through Suffering. 

DOST auglit remain to do, is word unsaid. 
To round the circle of these mystic gems? 
Stands logic incomplete which them bestems? 
Yea, waits there more, but not for the afraid, — 
The last stone's sharply hewn. Be not dismayed. 
Wilt join tribunal of wise Heaven's band. 
And sit among its kings? Then thou must stand 
Where Jesus stood; be by thyself betrayed. 
Thou must descend to bowels of the earth, 
And see the torments of the Souls in Hell 
That thou may'st rid them of the Demon's spell 
And teach them how in Christ they gain new birth. 



189 



MARGUERITE 

A STAR that gleams and knows not why; 
A star of human alchemy 
That gazeth on the world awry 
With genial reassuring eye. 
Proclaiming love's philosophy 



190 



THE LITTLE MAID 

I WALKED through rain-bedecked street 
Where glowing lamps shed rays of gold 
A little flitting, tripping elf 

A corner turned, and then in fold 
Of soft and sombre cloak she stood 
And gazed upon me timidly 
With glance uncertain, passing sweet. 
Her face half hidden in a hood. 
Then in a trice she greeted me 
And wc walked on, she chatting fast, 
While I upon her face did cast 
An eager and refreshed eye. 
Which asked her charm, where doth it lie? 
But all in vain, 'twas one glad whole; 
A jewel set toward the sun, 
A brook whose course had but begun, 
A glimpse of spring within a soul. 



191 



A 



E. C. R 

LONE in the ether, as planet, 

A face glows upon me 
Whose smile as in life 
Cleaves body from soul, 
Pulsating with love 
In the infinite freedom 
Of spirit when whole. 

Like shimmer of stars on the waters 

That flutter and vary, 
To my earth-bound perceptions 

Thy smiles rise and wane. 

Now piercing the depth 
Of my highest conceptions; 

Now fading, as strain 

Of some long-cherished anthem 
We strive to regain. 

Then with furl of the wing. 

With a fall at the breast, 
My angel is with me again. 



IQ2 



JANE 

THOU tiny maid of winning ways. 
Of halting steps and form that sways 
Toward the object of thy gaze, 
Thou art a lovely messenger. 
Thou tell'st of swiftly flowing hours 
That draw these stumbling feet of ours 
Toward the sweet which never sours, 

Thou art angelic harbinger, 
God grant, of happy, noble days. 



193 



UG 15 1910 



One copy del. to Oat. Div. 



\'i 




^&f 



'- :S'> •; 



